Brief Overview of κατεφίσταμαι (Strong’s G2721: katephistamai)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for unlocking the deeper meanings and cultural nuances of the New Testament. The Greek word κατεφίσταμαι (katephistamai), meaning “to be established” or “to become,” is particularly significant. It is used in contexts where individuals or entities are set in place or positioned in a specific role or condition. This word is relevant not only for interpreting certain passages in the New Testament but also for understanding the broader socio-political and cultural dynamics of the ancient Greek world.

Key Information

Greek Word: κατεφίσταμαι (katephistamai), pronounced [ka-teh-FIS-ta-my].

Etymology: The word κατεφίσταμαι derives from the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and the verb ἵστημι (histēmi), meaning “to stand” or “to establish.” Together, these elements form a verb that conveys the idea of being established in a position or set in a place.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, κατεφίσταμαι follows the typical Greek verb conjugation patterns and can appear in various tenses, voices, and moods. The middle/passive voice is particularly common, emphasizing a state of being established rather than an active establishment.

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Primary Meanings

To Be Established: The primary meaning of κατεφίσταμαι is “to be established” or “to be set in a particular place or role.” This could refer to someone being appointed to a specific position or role, whether in a political, religious, or social context.

To Become: Another meaning is “to become,” particularly in the sense of taking on a new state or condition. This can imply transformation or the assumption of a new role.

To Stand Firm: In some contexts, the word also carries the meaning “to stand firm” or “to maintain one’s position,” suggesting a sense of stability or continuity.

Similar Words

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ἵστημι (histēmi) [HIS-tay-mee]: Meaning “to stand” or “to set up,” this word shares a similar root with κατεφίσταμαι but is more general. While ἵστημι can refer to both active and passive forms of standing or setting up, κατεφίσταμαι specifically focuses on the state of being established.

καθίστημι (kathistēmi) [ka-THEE-stay-mee]: This word means “to appoint” or “to set in order” and is closely related in meaning to κατεφίσταμαι, but it often implies a more active role in placing someone or something in a position.

ἐφίστημι (ephistēmi) [eh-FIS-tay-mee]: Meaning “to set upon” or “to establish,” this word is similar but often carries a more immediate or confrontational nuance.

Morphological Features

Tense, Voice, Mood: κατεφίσταμαι is found in various tenses, primarily the present and aorist, middle and passive voices, and indicative mood. The middle voice emphasizes the subject’s involvement in their own establishment, while the passive voice indicates that the subject is being established by another.

Person and Number: This verb can be conjugated in all persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and numbers (singular, plural) depending on the context in which it appears.

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

Conjugation Table for Present Indicative Middle/Passive of κατεφίσταμαι:

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Lexicon Insights

κατεφίσταμαι is used in various contexts to denote being established in a role, position, or condition. In New Testament contexts, it often refers to the establishment of leaders or authorities. For example, in Acts 7:27, the word is used to describe Moses being appointed as a leader and judge over Israel. In classical literature, κατεφίσταμαι often carries political or military connotations, indicating the setting up of governors, officials, or military leaders in their roles. The theological implications of the word can be significant, as it suggests divine or authoritative involvement in the establishment or appointment of individuals.

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

Related Scripture References

Acts 7:27: “But the man who was wronging his neighbor pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us?’ [κατέστησεν].”

Romans 5:19: “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous [κατεστάθησαν].”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατεφίσταμαι (G2721)

κατεφίσταμαι (katephistamai) is a Greek verb meaning “to be established,” “to become,” or “to be appointed.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to individuals being placed in specific roles or conditions. Understanding this word provides valuable insight into the concepts of authority, leadership, and divine appointment in both Biblical and classical contexts.

Did You Know?

The word κατεφίσταμαι is closely related to political and administrative language in ancient Greek, emphasizing the importance of order and governance.

In Biblical Greek, κατεφίσταμαι often carries connotations of divine or moral authority, reflecting the belief that certain roles or appointments are ordained by God.

The passive use of κατεφίσταμαι emphasizes that the subject is established or appointed by an external authority, often highlighting God’s sovereignty in the New Testament.