Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for interpreting New Testament texts and understanding their cultural and historical context. The Greek word κατακρημνίζω (katakrēmnízō) is particularly significant as it conveys the concept of throwing or casting down, often with the implication of a violent or forceful action. This word is used to describe instances where something or someone is cast down from a height, which can reflect themes of judgment, punishment, or destruction. By exploring κατακρημνίζω, we gain deeper insights into how this term is used in both Biblical narratives and ancient Greek literature to describe decisive and dramatic actions.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατακρημνίζω (katakrēmnízō) [ka-ta-kraym-NEE-zo]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down” or “against”) and κρημνός (krēmnós, meaning “a precipice” or “cliff”).
• Part of Speech: Verb; primarily found in the present, aorist, and future indicative forms.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To throw down from a height.
• To cast down or hurl down, typically with force or violence.
• To push or thrust off a cliff or precipice.

Similar Words: ῥίπτω (rhíptō) [HREEP-to], meaning “to throw” or “to cast,” also involves the action of throwing but without the specific implication of throwing something down from a height, as emphasized in κατακρημνίζω. The latter suggests a more deliberate action of casting down from an elevated position.

Further Insights: The verb κατακρημνίζω is a combination of κατά (kata) and κρημνός (krēmnós), which together describe the action of throwing or casting down from a high place, such as a cliff. This verb often carries a connotation of destruction or judgment, where the act of casting down is not just physical but can also imply a downfall or ruin. Below is a table showing the present indicative active form of κατακρημνίζω:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines κατακρημνίζω as “to throw down” or “to hurl down from a cliff,” often used in contexts of violence, judgment, or forceful removal. The term is employed to depict an action of throwing down from a height, signifying a complete and decisive action.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes κατακρημνίζω as “to cast down headlong” or “to precipitate,” emphasizing its use to describe violent actions that result in the fall or destruction of a person or object.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the meaning of “throwing down” or “casting off,” particularly in contexts where the action is purposeful and intended to cause harm or judgment, often associated with divine punishment.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that κατακρημνίζω is used in classical Greek literature to describe the action of hurling someone or something off a cliff or high place, typically as a form of execution or severe punishment.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines κατακρημνίζω as “to precipitate” or “to throw down,” focusing on its literal sense of casting down from a high place, often with destructive implications.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 4:29 – “And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw [κατακρημνίσαι] him down the cliff.”
  This verse highlights the use of κατακρημνίζω in the context of an attempted violent act against Jesus by the townspeople.

Classical Usage

Summary of κατακρημνίζω (G2630: katakrēmnízō)

The Greek verb κατακρημνίζω, meaning “to throw down” or “to cast down from a height,” is significant in Biblical and classical contexts for its depiction of violent or decisive action. In the New Testament, κατακρημνίζω is used to describe the attempt by the townspeople to throw Jesus off a cliff, illustrating the dramatic and violent response to His teachings. In classical Greek literature, κατακρημνίζω often appears in contexts involving execution, punishment, or the deliberate act of casting down someone or something from a high place. This term carries a connotation of judgment and destruction, providing a vivid image of the consequences of certain actions or decisions. Understanding κατακρημνίζω helps readers appreciate the gravity and intensity of certain Biblical and literary narratives, highlighting the themes of judgment, punishment, and divine retribution.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The Greek word κατακρημνίζω is a combination of “kata-” (down) and “krēmnós” (cliff), suggesting a dramatic and forceful action of casting down.
• Fact 2: In ancient Greek culture, throwing someone off a cliff was sometimes used as a method of execution, reserved for severe offenses.
• Fact 3: The imagery of being cast down from a height is often used metaphorically in the Bible to signify a fall from grace, divine judgment, or a severe consequence of sin.

Understanding κατακρημνίζω enriches our study of Biblical texts and ancient Greek literature, providing a deeper context for the powerful themes of judgment and divine authority.