Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because it allows for a deeper exploration of the meanings and nuances embedded in the original texts. The Greek word κατακλίνω (kataklínō) is particularly significant because it is used in the New Testament to describe actions related to reclining or laying down, often in the context of dining or resting. This word provides valuable insights into the social and cultural practices of ancient Greek and early Christian society, especially regarding hospitality, meals, and the customs surrounding rest and repose.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατακλίνω (kataklínō) [ka-ta-KLEE-no]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down” or “against”) and κλίνω (klínō, meaning “to lean” or “to incline”).
• Part of Speech: Verb; it appears in various tenses, voices, and moods, particularly in the aorist and present indicative forms.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To make someone lie down or recline.
• To cause to lean or rest.
• To lie down or recline, often at a meal.

Similar Words: κλίνω (klínō) [KLEE-no] means “to lean” or “to incline.” While κλίνω refers more generally to the action of leaning or inclining, κατακλίνω emphasizes a more deliberate action of causing someone to recline or lay down, often used in the context of social or ritual dining.

Further Insights: The verb κατακλίνω is composed of the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and κλίνω (klínō), meaning “to lean.” This combination suggests a controlled or intentional action of laying or reclining someone down. Below is a table showing the present indicative active form of κατακλίνω:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines κατακλίνω as “to cause to lie down” or “to recline,” especially used in the context of reclining at a meal. The term is often associated with hospitality practices in ancient cultures, where reclining during meals was a norm.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes κατακλίνω as “to make to lie down” or “to cause to recline,” highlighting its use in the New Testament to depict reclining at meals, a common practice in the ancient world that indicated fellowship and social interaction.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the verb’s meaning of “to recline” or “to make recline,” frequently appearing in passages where eating or dining together is involved, thus reflecting the social and religious customs of the time.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that κατακλίνω was used in classical Greek literature to mean “to recline” or “to cause to lie down,” whether for rest, dining, or other purposes, showing its flexibility in different contexts.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines κατακλίνω as “to recline” or “to make to recline,” emphasizing its application in both literal and figurative senses of lying down or reclining.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 12:37 – “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down [κατακλίναι] to eat, and will come and serve them.”
• Luke 24:30 – “Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table [κατακλιθέντος] with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατακλίνω (G2625: kataklínō)

The Greek verb κατακλίνω, meaning “to recline” or “to make to recline,” is essential for understanding social customs, particularly related to meals, rest, and hospitality in Biblical and classical contexts. It is often used in the New Testament to describe the act of reclining during meals, which was a common practice among the Greeks, Romans, and Jews, indicating fellowship, social interaction, and sometimes deeper spiritual meanings, such as the breaking of bread in the presence of Jesus. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, κατακλίνω conveys similar themes of reclining, rest, and communal gathering. Studying κατακλίνω provides a window into ancient customs, enriching our understanding of the Biblical narratives and the cultural settings of the time.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: Reclining at meals was a sign of freedom and privilege in ancient societies, contrasting with the practice of standing or sitting for servants and slaves.
• Fact 2: The act of reclining (κατακλίνω) during meals was symbolic of relaxation and fellowship, which is why it was often used in the Gospels to depict important moments of Jesus’ ministry.
• Fact 3: The term κατακλίνω is also used metaphorically to describe spiritual rest or repose, as seen in various Biblical and extra-Biblical texts.

Understanding κατακλίνω provides valuable insights into Biblical texts and ancient Greek literature, revealing how language conveys social practices, hospitality norms, and the symbolism of reclining.