Brief Overview of καταποντίζω (Strong’s G2670: katapontizō)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, examining Greek words allows readers to grasp the deeper meanings behind scripture and its original context. One such word is καταποντίζω (katapontizō), a verb that translates to “to sink” or “to drown.” This term holds significance in understanding passages that involve water, danger, or divine intervention, particularly in the New Testament and in broader ancient Greek culture. By exploring καταποντίζω, readers can gain insights into both the literal and metaphorical use of the word in scriptural and classical texts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καταποντίζω (katapontizō) [ka-ta-pon-TEE-zo]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down,” and πόντος (pontos), meaning “sea” or “deep.”
• Part of Speech: Verb. It appears primarily in the active voice and can be conjugated across various tenses and moods.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To cause to sink or to submerge in water.
• To drown or to cause to be overwhelmed by water.
• To bring to ruin or destroy by submersion.

Similar Words

• βυθίζω (bythizō) [by-THEE-zo]: Means “to sink” or “to plunge into the depths.” While similar, βυθίζω does not carry the same connotation of intentional destruction that καταποντίζω might imply.
• καταδύω (katadyō) [ka-ta-DY-oh]: Means “to dive” or “to sink down.” Unlike καταποντίζω, this word focuses more on the act of descending rather than the result of being overwhelmed.
• ἀπολύω (apolyō) [a-po-LOO-oh]: Means “to release” or “to let go.” This word can imply a release into danger but lacks the specific sense of sinking or drowning.

Morphological Features

• Tense, Voice, Mood: καταποντίζω appears in various tenses (present, aorist, and future) and is usually found in the active voice. It is used in different moods, such as indicative, subjunctive, and imperative.

Examples of Morphological Usage

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• Present Indicative Active: Describes a continuous or habitual action.
• 1st Person Singular: καταποντίζω (I sink)
• 3rd Person Plural: καταποντίζουσι(ν) (they sink)
• Aorist Indicative Active: Indicates a simple, completed action in the past.
• 1st Person Singular: κατεπόντισα (I caused to sink)
• 3rd Person Plural: κατεπόντισαν (they caused to sink)
• Future Indicative Active: Indicates an action that will happen in the future.
• 1st Person Singular: καταποντίσω (I will cause to sink)
• 3rd Person Plural: καταποντίσουσι(ν) (they will cause to sink)
• Aorist Subjunctive Active: Expresses potential or purpose.
• 1st Person Singular: καταποντίσω (that I might sink)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταποντίσητε (that you might sink)
• Aorist Imperative Active: A command to perform the action.
• 2nd Person Singular: κατάποντισον (cause to sink!)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταποντίσατε (cause to sink, you all!)

Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative Active form of καταποντίζω:

Aspect: The verb καταποντίζω conveys different aspects depending on the tense. The imperfective aspect (present tense) emphasizes ongoing or repeated action, while the perfective aspect (aorist tense) highlights a single, completed action of sinking or drowning. The future aspect anticipates an action that will occur.

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Lexicon Insights

The Greek word καταποντίζω (katapontizō) appears in the New Testament to convey the act of sinking or drowning, often with a sense of judgment or destruction. In Matthew 14:30, it is used to describe Peter beginning to sink when he becomes afraid while walking on water towards Jesus. This word highlights both a literal and spiritual sense of being overwhelmed, where fear or doubt can lead to a figurative “drowning” of faith. Similarly, in the classical context, καταποντίζω is used to describe ships sinking in storms, armies perishing in the sea, or even metaphorical instances where one is “overwhelmed” by emotions or circumstances.

In classical Greek literature, καταποντίζω appears in various contexts involving naval battles, myths involving the sea, and stories of divine retribution where enemies are “drowned” as an act of punishment. This use in both the New Testament and classical texts underlines the word’s broad application, encompassing both literal and metaphorical senses of sinking or being overwhelmed.

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

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 14:30: “But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink (καταποντίζεσθαι), he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!'”
• Matthew 18:6: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned (καταποντισθῇ) in the depth of the sea.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταποντίζω (G2670)

The Greek word καταποντίζω (katapontizō) is a powerful term that captures both literal and metaphorical senses of sinking, drowning, or being overwhelmed. In the New Testament, it is used to describe moments of peril, such as Peter sinking in the Sea of Galilee, underscoring both physical danger and spiritual lessons. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, the word often appears in contexts involving destruction by water, punishment, or overwhelming situations, giving it a broad application across different genres and themes.

Did You Know?

1. καταποντίζω was often used in ancient Greek maritime contexts to describe ships being overwhelmed by waves or storms.
2. In the New Testament, καταποντίζω can carry a dual meaning, depicting both physical and spiritual sinking, especially in moments of doubt or fear.
3. In Greek mythology, καταποντίζω is frequently used to describe the divine punishment of drowning, showcasing the power of the gods over the seas.