Brief Overview of καταφεύγω (Strong’s G2703: katapheugō)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words is crucial for interpreting the New Testament accurately and gaining deeper insight into the cultural and historical context of ancient Judea. The Greek word καταφεύγω (katapheugō), meaning “to flee” or “to escape,” is particularly significant as it captures the actions and emotions of individuals seeking refuge or escaping danger. This term is essential for understanding various New Testament passages that involve flight or escape, reflecting both physical and spiritual themes relevant to ancient Greek culture and the biblical narrative.

Key Information

The Greek word is καταφεύγω (katapheugō), pronounced [ka-ta-FYOO-go].

The etymology of καταφεύγω is derived from the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and the verb φεύγω (pheugō), which means “to flee” or “to escape.” Together, they convey the idea of fleeing or escaping downward or away from danger or harm.

καταφεύγω is a verb. It follows standard Greek verb conjugation patterns and can appear in different tenses (present, aorist, perfect), voices (active, middle, passive), and moods (indicative, subjunctive, imperative).

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Primary Meanings

To Flee: The most common meaning of καταφεύγω is “to flee” or “to run away,” implying a swift departure from danger or threat. This sense is frequently used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in biblical and classical literature.

To Seek Refuge: Another meaning is “to seek refuge” or “to take shelter.” This usage highlights the idea of fleeing not just to escape but to find safety or protection.

To Escape: A related meaning is “to escape,” focusing on the successful avoidance or evasion of danger, often used in military, legal, or spiritual contexts.

Similar Words

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φεύγω (pheugō) [FYOO-go]: This word means “to flee” or “to escape” but without the prefix κατά. It generally conveys a more general sense of fleeing without specifying direction or intent.

διαφεύγω (diapheugō) [dee-a-FYOO-go]: Meaning “to flee through” or “to escape completely,” this word emphasizes a thorough or complete escape, often through a barrier or difficult situation.

καταδιώκω (katadiōkō) [ka-ta-DEE-o-ko]: This word means “to pursue” or “to chase down.” It is often used in opposition to καταφεύγω, focusing on the act of pursuing someone who is fleeing.

Morphological Features

Tense, Voice, Mood: καταφεύγω can be found in different tenses, such as present (indicating continuous or habitual action), aorist (indicating a singular, completed action), and perfect (indicating a completed action with ongoing relevance). It appears in active, middle, and passive voices and can be used in various moods like indicative (stating facts), subjunctive (expressing potential or wishes), and imperative (issuing commands).

Person and Number: The word is conjugated across three persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and two numbers (singular, plural).

Conjugation Table: Below is a conjugation table for καταφεύγω in the Present Indicative Active:

Aspect: The present tense carries an imperfective aspect, indicating an ongoing or repeated action, while the aorist tense carries a perfective aspect, indicating a completed action.

For a more detailed explanation of Greek grammar and conjugations, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

καταφεύγω carries rich meanings that convey the idea of fleeing, escaping, or seeking refuge, both in physical and metaphorical senses. In New Testament contexts, the word is often used to describe situations where individuals or groups seek physical safety or spiritual refuge, implying trust in divine protection or deliverance. In classical literature, καταφεύγω frequently appears in narratives involving war, legal evasion, or personal crises, further emphasizing the themes of escape and safety. Theologically, this word can be applied to understanding themes of salvation, divine refuge, and spiritual safety, making it a powerful term in both literary and religious studies.

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

Related Scripture References

Hebrews 6:18: “So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled (καταφεύγοντες) for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταφεύγω (G2703)

καταφεύγω (katapheugō) is a Greek verb that means “to flee,” “to escape,” or “to seek refuge.” It is used in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature to describe actions of fleeing from danger or seeking safety. The term carries deep theological implications related to salvation, refuge, and divine protection, while also appearing in secular contexts involving physical flight or escape. Understanding this word’s full range of meanings enhances our interpretation of various biblical and historical texts.

Did You Know?

καταφεύγω was often used in ancient Greek military texts to describe soldiers retreating to a safe location after a defeat.

The concept of fleeing for refuge in ancient Judea was closely tied to seeking asylum in cities of refuge, as described in the Old Testament.

The word’s root, φεύγω, is still present in modern English through words like “fugitive,” highlighting its lasting influence.