Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies because it helps uncover the richness and depth of scripture. The word κατάγω (katagō) is particularly significant as it is used in both literal and figurative contexts within the New Testament. This verb often conveys the idea of leading down, bringing down, or bringing to a lower place. Its relevance extends to various passages that discuss movement, guidance, and the descent of people or things. By exploring κατάγω, we gain insights into the cultural, navigational, and metaphorical nuances present in ancient Greek literature and early Christian writings.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατάγω (katagō) [ka-TAG-o]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down” or “against”) and ἄγω (agō, meaning “to lead” or “to bring”).
• Part of Speech: Verb; it can be conjugated in various tenses, moods, and voices, such as present, aorist, or future.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To bring down or lead down from a higher place to a lower one.
• To guide or conduct someone or something to a destination.
• To bring into a certain state or condition, often used in metaphorical senses.

Similar Words: A related Greek word is ἀπάγω (apagō) [a-PA-go], which also means “to lead away” or “to bring away.” However, while ἀπάγω emphasizes removing or taking away, κατάγω focuses on the direction “downward” or bringing something from a higher place to a lower one.

Further Insights: The verb κατάγω is constructed from the prefix κατά (kata), which implies “downward” or “against,” combined with ἄγω (agō), meaning “to lead” or “to bring.” This construction suggests movement in a downward direction, whether literal (like bringing a ship to harbor) or metaphorical (leading someone into a situation). Below is a table showing the present indicative active form of κατάγω:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes κατάγω as “to lead down” or “to bring down.” It highlights its use in nautical contexts, such as bringing a ship to shore, as well as in metaphorical senses, such as bringing someone to a lower state or condition.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Defines κατάγω as “to lead down,” emphasizing both literal and figurative uses. It often appears in contexts where guidance or movement from a higher place to a lower one is described.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the verb’s use in the sense of guiding or leading, particularly when involving a descent. It is commonly used to describe bringing someone or something down to a different location or condition.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that κατάγω was widely used in classical Greek literature to mean “bring down” or “lead down,” whether describing physical movement or the lowering of status or condition.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines κατάγω as “to lead down” or “bring down,” focusing on the directionality implied by the prefix κατά.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 9:30 – “When the brethren learned of it, they brought him down [κατήγαγον] to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.”
• Acts 23:15 – “Now therefore, you and the Council notify the commander to bring him down [καταγάγειν] to you, as though you were going to determine his case more thoroughly…”
• Acts 27:3 – “The next day we put in at Sidon; and Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατάγω (G2609: katagō)

The Greek verb κατάγω, meaning “to bring down” or “to lead down,” is essential for understanding various Biblical passages that deal with movement, guidance, or changes in status or condition. It appears both in literal senses, such as bringing a ship to shore, and in metaphorical contexts, such as leading someone to a different state. The word is richly used in both New Testament and classical Greek literature, revealing how ancient cultures viewed the act of leading or bringing down in both physical and metaphorical senses. By studying κατάγω, readers can better understand the language of movement and guidance in both sacred and secular texts.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: κατάγω was commonly used in maritime contexts to describe bringing a ship safely to shore, highlighting the importance of navigation in ancient Greek culture.
• Fact 2: The prefix “kata-” in κατάγω emphasizes the direction “downward,” making it distinct from similar verbs that indicate different directions or actions.
• Fact 3: In some New Testament contexts, κατάγω conveys not just physical movement but also metaphorical descents, such as bringing someone to a place of humility or submission.

Understanding κατάγω provides valuable insights into the Biblical narrative and classical Greek literature, illuminating how ancient societies described movement, leadership, and change.