G2615

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies as it helps uncover the deeper meanings and contexts of scripture. The Greek word καταδουλόω (katadoulóō) is particularly significant because it relates to the concept of subjugation and enslavement. Found in the New Testament, this verb conveys the idea of bringing someone into bondage or making them a slave. Exploring καταδουλόω provides insight into how early Christians and ancient Greek society viewed power dynamics, freedom, and control, both in physical and spiritual senses.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: καταδουλόω (katadoulóō) [ka-ta-doo-LO-o]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down” or “against”) and δουλόω (doulóō, meaning “to enslave” or “to make a slave”).
• Part of Speech: Verb; it can be conjugated in various tenses, voices, and moods.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To enslave or bring into bondage.
• To subjugate or dominate someone, reducing them to servitude.
• To compel obedience through force or authority, implying a loss of freedom.

Similar Words: A related Greek word is δουλόω (doulóō) [doo-LO-o], which also means “to enslave” or “to make a servant.” However, while δουλόω is a general term for making someone a slave, καταδουλόω emphasizes a more intense or forceful action, suggested by the prefix κατά, which implies bringing someone “down” into slavery or subjection.

Further Insights: The verb καταδουλόω combines the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” with δουλόω (doulóō), meaning “to enslave.” This construction suggests an intensified action of bringing someone under complete control or bondage. Below is a table showing the present indicative active form of καταδουλόω:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines καταδουλόω as “to bring into slavery” or “to enslave,” with an emphasis on the harshness and severity of the act. It is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual or moral bondage.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes καταδουλόω as “to reduce to bondage” or “to enslave,” highlighting its use in both physical and figurative contexts where one party exerts total control over another.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the verb’s use in the sense of “to bring into subjection” or “to subdue,” often with an emphasis on the power dynamics involved, whether in spiritual or social settings.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that καταδουλόω was used in classical Greek to denote a complete domination or subjugation, often in military or political contexts where an entity is forcibly subdued.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines καταδουλόω as “to enslave” or “to bring into bondage,” underscoring its application in both literal and metaphorical senses of subjugation.

Related Scripture References

• Galatians 2:4 – “But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage [καταδουλώσουσιν].”
• 2 Corinthians 11:20 – “For you bear with it if anyone enslaves [καταδουλόι] you, if anyone devours you, if anyone takes advantage of you, if anyone exalts himself, if anyone hits you in the face.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταδουλόω (G2615: katadoulóō)

The Greek verb καταδουλόω, meaning “to enslave” or “to bring into bondage,” plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of power, control, and subjugation in both Biblical and classical contexts. It emphasizes the forceful act of subjugating someone, reducing them to servitude or spiritual bondage. In the New Testament, καταδουλόω is used to describe both literal and figurative enslavement, such as the potential loss of Christian liberty or the imposition of legalistic or oppressive systems. Its usage in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint further illustrates its importance in discussions about dominance, control, and the consequences of enslavement, whether politically, socially, or spiritually.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The prefix “kata-” in καταδουλόω adds intensity, indicating a forceful or complete act of subjugation, distinguishing it from the simpler δουλόω, which also means “to enslave.”
• Fact 2: In the context of the New Testament, καταδουλόω is often used metaphorically to warn against spiritual bondage or the loss of freedom, especially in the teachings of Paul.
• Fact 3: In classical Greek, καταδουλόω often described the fate of conquered peoples who were subjugated by victorious armies, reflecting the socio-political realities of the ancient world.

Understanding καταδουλόω provides valuable insights into the Biblical narrative and classical Greek literature, illustrating how language conveys concepts of control, dominance, and the loss of freedom in both sacred and secular texts.