Brief Overview of κρατέω (Strong’s G2902: krateō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies helps uncover deeper meanings and contexts that can be lost in translation. The Greek verb κρατέω (krateō) is particularly significant in the New Testament, as it appears in various contexts related to holding, grasping, or retaining something with strength or authority. Found in Matthew 9:25, where Jesus “took hold” of a girl’s hand to raise her from the dead, this verb highlights both literal and figurative aspects of power and control. Additionally, κρατέω offers insight into ancient Greek culture’s understanding of power, authority, and physical or metaphorical strength.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κρατέω (krateō) [kra-TEH-oh]

Etymology: The root of κρατέω is κράτος (kratos), which means “strength,” “power,” or “dominion.” This connection to κράτος highlights the idea of possessing or exercising power, whether over an object, situation, or even a person.

Part of Speech: Verb. κρατέω is a regular verb that appears in various tenses and voices throughout the New Testament. It is often used in the active voice but can also appear in the middle and passive voices, depending on the context.

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Defining Meanings

To Take Hold Of: The primary meaning of κρατέω is “to take hold of” or “to grasp.” This can be used both literally, as in physically holding onto something, or metaphorically, as in seizing an opportunity or control.

To Retain or Keep: κρατέω can also mean “to retain” or “to keep,” implying a sense of holding onto something securely or maintaining a position or status.

To Hold Fast: In some contexts, κρατέω conveys the idea of “holding fast” or “adhering firmly” to something, such as a teaching, tradition, or belief, emphasizing persistence and determination.

Exploring Similar Words

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ἀντέχω (antechō) [an-TEH-kho]: This word means “to hold against” or “to resist,” often implying opposition or endurance rather than merely taking hold of something.

λαμβάνω (lambanō) [lam-BAH-no]: Meaning “to take” or “to receive,” λαμβάνω is more general and does not emphasize strength or power in the act of taking, as κρατέω does.

κατέχω (katechō) [ka-TEH-kho]: This verb means “to hold down” or “to restrain.” It carries a stronger connotation of suppression or control, whereas κρατέω focuses more on the act of grasping or maintaining.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: κρατέω can appear in multiple tenses, including present, aorist, and perfect, providing flexibility in expressing time and aspect. It is used in the active, middle, and passive voices. In the active voice, it describes the subject performing the action of holding or grasping; in the middle voice, it often indicates an action performed with regard to oneself; and in the passive voice, it shows the subject being held or restrained. The verb can appear in the indicative (stating a fact), imperative (command), and subjunctive (possibility) moods.

Person and Number: κρατέω is conjugated according to person (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and number (singular, plural), adapting its form to the subject of the sentence.

Conjugation Table (Present Indicative Active):

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The verb κρατέω consistently denotes a strong sense of holding or grasping across Greek lexicons. In the New Testament, it is used to describe both physical actions, such as seizing someone or something (e.g., Matthew 9:25, where Jesus takes the girl by the hand), and metaphorical actions, like holding onto a tradition or commandment. In classical Greek, κρατέω can be found in contexts ranging from physical strength in battles to holding political power. Theologically, κρατέω is significant as it emphasizes the believer’s need to “hold fast” to faith, teachings, or divine principles, reflecting a steadfast commitment. This dynamic understanding of κρατέω helps in comprehending how power, control, and adherence are portrayed in biblical and historical texts.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 9:25: “But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand (κρατέω), and the maid arose.”

Mark 7:3: “For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding (κρατέω) the tradition of the elders.”

Revelation 2:25: “But that which ye have already hold fast (κρατέω) till I come.”

Acts 3:11: “And as the lame man which was healed held (κρατέω) Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κρατέω (krateō) is essential in biblical and classical Greek texts for understanding the concepts of holding, grasping, and retaining with strength or authority. Its applications range from physical actions, such as taking hold of a person or object, to more abstract uses, such as holding fast to a belief or tradition. In the New Testament, κρατέω is often used in contexts that emphasize steadfastness, perseverance, and divine authority, contributing to a richer understanding of how power and commitment are articulated in Scripture.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The word κρατέω is related to the Greek term κράτος, which denotes a strong grip or hold, forming the root for “democracy” (the rule of the people).

Did you know? In classical Greek literature, κρατέω was often used to describe the actions of gods or kings seizing power, showing its association with authority and control.

Did you know? The verb κρατέω is used in various contexts in the New Testament to illustrate both physical and spiritual principles, making it a versatile word with deep theological implications.