Brief Overview of κατάδηλος (Strong’s G2612: katadēlos)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for uncovering the depth of scriptural meaning and the original intent behind the writings. The Greek word κατάδηλος (katadēlos) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of something that is manifestly clear or evident. This term is found in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the clarity and undeniable nature of certain truths. By examining κατάδηλος, we gain a deeper understanding of how early Christian writers and ancient Greek culture articulated certainty and clear revelation in their teachings and writings.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατάδηλος (katadēlos) [ka-TA-de-los]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down” or “against”) and δῆλος (dēlos, meaning “clear” or “manifest”).
• Part of Speech: Adjective; it follows the first and second declension patterns in Greek.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Clearly evident or manifest.
• Obvious or plainly seen.
• Undeniably clear, leaving no room for doubt.

Similar Words: A related Greek word is φανερός (phaneros) [fa-ne-ROS], which also means “visible” or “manifest.” However, while φανερός emphasizes something that is outwardly visible or apparent, κατάδηλος suggests an undeniable clarity or certainty that is obvious and leaves no room for doubt.

Further Insights: The adjective κατάδηλος combines the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” with δῆλος (dēlos), meaning “clear” or “manifest.” This construction intensifies the sense of something being “downright clear” or “completely evident.” The word is declined in the first and second declension, modifying nouns in Greek according to gender. Below is a table showing the declension of κατάδηλος in the masculine singular form:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes κατάδηλος as “very clear, evident,” often used to describe something that is unmistakably obvious or beyond doubt. It emphasizes the certainty of what is being described.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Defines κατάδηλος as “manifest, obvious, evident.” The word is often employed in contexts where something is so clear that it requires no further explanation.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Highlights the adjective’s use in making something clearly known or understood, especially in moral or spiritual contexts where clarity is paramount.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that κατάδηλος was used in classical Greek to indicate something that was plainly visible or evident to the senses or understanding.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines κατάδηλος as “evident” or “manifest,” underscoring its function in describing something that is clearly perceived.

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Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 7:15 – “And it is yet far more evident [κατάδηλον], if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατάδηλος (G2612: katadēlos)

The Greek adjective κατάδηλος, meaning “evident” or “manifest,” is crucial for understanding expressions of clarity and certainty in both Biblical and classical texts. It is used in the New Testament to emphasize the obviousness and manifest nature of certain truths, as seen in Hebrews 7:15, where it highlights the clarity of the prophecy regarding a new priesthood. The usage of κατάδηλος in the Septuagint and classical Greek literature further demonstrates its importance in describing things that are undeniably clear or beyond dispute. This term helps us appreciate how ancient writers articulated certainty, clarity, and evident truths, which is essential for interpreting both theological and philosophical texts from that era.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The prefix “kata-” in κατάδηλος intensifies the meaning, making it stronger than just “clear” (δῆλος) and implying “downright clear” or “evidently clear.”
• Fact 2: Hebrews 7:15 uses κατάδηλος to emphasize the evident nature of a new priesthood order, highlighting its clarity in fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
• Fact 3: In classical Greek, κατάδηλος often appears in philosophical texts to assert truths that are perceived as self-evident or axiomatic.

Understanding κατάδηλος deepens our appreciation of how the ancient Greek language conveys absolute clarity, both in sacred and secular contexts.