Brief Overview of κατέχω (Strong’s G2722: katechō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for interpreting the New Testament accurately and grasping the cultural context of the ancient world. The Greek word κατέχω (katechō), meaning “to hold fast,” “to retain,” or “to restrain,” is particularly significant in Biblical interpretation. This word appears in various contexts, often referring to holding onto beliefs, keeping possession of something, or even restraining certain actions. Its relevance extends beyond New Testament scripture, providing insights into ancient Greek culture and philosophy.

Key Information

Greek Word: κατέχω (katechō), pronounced [ka-TEH-kho].

Etymology: The word κατέχω is derived from the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and the verb ἔχω (echō), meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Together, these roots form a verb that conveys the idea of holding something down or keeping it in one’s possession.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, κατέχω follows typical Greek verb conjugation patterns and can appear in various tenses, voices, and moods. It is used in both active and middle voices, with different nuances depending on the context.

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Primary Meanings

To Hold Fast or Retain: The primary meaning of κατέχω is “to hold fast” or “to retain,” often in the context of holding onto beliefs, traditions, or possessions. This usage appears in various New Testament passages where the emphasis is on maintaining one’s grip on faith or teachings.

To Restrain: Another significant meaning of κατέχω is “to restrain” or “to hold back.” This usage is evident in contexts where something is being prevented or hindered from happening, such as holding back evil or restraining oneself from certain actions.

To Possess or Occupy: In some instances, κατέχω can mean “to possess” or “to occupy,” often in a territorial or dominion sense. This meaning is less frequent but is found in classical Greek literature and certain New Testament contexts.

Similar Words

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κρατέω (krateō) [kra-TEH-oh]: Meaning “to take hold of” or “to grasp,” this word is similar in that it involves holding onto something. However, κρατέω often implies a stronger, more forceful grasp than κατέχω, which can imply a more persistent holding.

συνέχω (synechō) [soo-NEH-kho]: This word means “to hold together” or “to constrain.” It differs from κατέχω in that it often involves holding or binding together rather than simply holding or restraining.

ἀντέχω (antechō) [an-TEH-kho]: Meaning “to hold against” or “to withstand,” this word shares a similar sense of resistance or holding firm but often in the context of opposition or endurance.

Morphological Features

Tense, Voice, Mood: κατέχω is used in various tenses, including present, imperfect, and aorist. It appears in both active and middle voices and is most commonly found in the indicative and subjunctive moods, depending on the context.

Person and Number: This verb can be conjugated in all persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and numbers (singular, plural) based on its usage in the sentence.

Aspect: The word exhibits both imperfective (present, imperfect) and perfective (aorist) aspects. The imperfective aspect indicates ongoing or habitual action, while the perfective aspect suggests a completed action.

Conjugation Table for Present Indicative Active of κατέχω:

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Lexicon Insights

κατέχω is used in various contexts, ranging from physical possession to metaphorical or spiritual holding. In New Testament writings, it often conveys the idea of holding fast to faith or doctrine, such as in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “But examine everything carefully; hold fast [κατέχετε] to that which is good.” In classical Greek, it can describe holding onto territories or positions of power. The word’s flexibility makes it a key term for understanding persistence, restraint, and control in both theological and secular texts.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Related Scripture References

1 Corinthians 15:2: “By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory [κατέχετε] what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.”

2 Thessalonians 2:6: “And now ye know what withholdeth [κατέχον] that he might be revealed in his time.”

Romans 1:18: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold [κατέχοντες] the truth in unrighteousness.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατέχω (G2722)

κατέχω (katechō) is a versatile Greek verb meaning “to hold fast,” “to restrain,” or “to possess.” It is used in the New Testament to describe holding onto faith, restraining forces, or occupying a space. Understanding this word provides valuable insights into persistence, control, and spiritual steadfastness in Biblical and classical contexts.

Did You Know?

κατέχω has a nautical usage, where it means “to hold a course” or “to keep a direction,” reflecting its broader connotations of stability and persistence.

In some Greek philosophical texts, κατέχω is used to describe holding onto wisdom or virtue, illustrating its ethical and moral dimensions.

The word’s flexibility allows it to appear in both positive and negative contexts, whether referring to holding onto righteousness or restraining harmful forces.