Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words behind the translations is essential for grasping the full depth of scriptural meaning and theological nuance. One such word is καταπατέω (katapateō), a verb that appears in key New Testament passages, often translated as “to trample” or “to tread down.” This term is significant in interpreting the attitudes of judgment, scorn, and rejection conveyed in these texts. Additionally, the word’s usage in ancient Greek literature provides insights into cultural attitudes of dominance and disdain, which further informs its interpretation in the New Testament.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καταπατέω (katapateō) [ka-ta-pa-TEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from κατα (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and πατέω (pateō), meaning “to tread” or “to walk.”
• Part of Speech: Verb, active voice. As a verb, it follows standard Greek conjugation patterns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To trample underfoot; to crush or tread down.
• To treat with disdain or contempt, as if trampling upon.
• To reject or despise something valuable, often in the context of judgment.

Similar Words

• πατέω (pateō) [pa-TEH-oh]: Means “to tread” or “to walk.” Unlike καταπατέω, it lacks the nuance of contempt or rejection.
• καταβαίνω (katabainō) [ka-ta-BEH-noh]: Means “to go down” or “to descend.” This word does not carry the sense of trampling or despising.
• κονιορτός (koniortos) [ko-nee-or-TOS]: Means “dust” or “something trodden upon.” While related to being beneath one’s feet, it does not involve the active sense of trampling.

Morphological Features

• Tense, Voice, Mood: καταπατέω appears in various tenses (present, aorist, and perfect), typically in the active voice. It can be found in different moods such as indicative, imperative, and subjunctive.

Examples of Morphological Usage

• Present Indicative Active: Indicates a continuous or habitual action.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπατῶ (I trample)
• 3rd Person Plural: καταπατοῦσι(ν) (they trample)
• Aorist Indicative Active: Indicates a simple, completed action in the past.
• 1st Person Singular: κατεπάτησα (I trampled)
• 3rd Person Plural: κατεπάτησαν (they trampled)
• Perfect Indicative Active: Denotes a completed action with a resulting state.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπεπάτηκα (I have trampled)
• 3rd Person Singular: καταπεπάτηκε (he/she/it has trampled)
• Aorist Subjunctive Active: Often used to express a purpose or potential action.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπατήσω (that I might trample)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταπατήσητε (that you might trample)
• Aorist Imperative Active: A command or instruction.
• 2nd Person Singular: κατάπατησον (trample!)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταπατήσατε (trample, you all!)

Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative Active form of καταπατέω:

Aspect: The Greek verb καταπατέω also conveys different aspects. The imperfective aspect (e.g., present tense) suggests an ongoing or habitual action of trampling. The perfective aspect (e.g., aorist tense) focuses on a single, completed action. The stative aspect (e.g., perfect tense) indicates a state resulting from the completed action.

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Lexicon Insights

καταπατέω (katapateō) is often used in contexts involving scorn, rejection, or destruction. In the New Testament, it conveys the imagery of trampling something precious underfoot, highlighting the serious consequences of such actions. For instance, in Matthew 7:6, it illustrates how holy things should not be given to those who would treat them with contempt. Similarly, in Luke 8:5, it describes seeds that are trampled underfoot, signifying lost opportunities for spiritual growth.

In classical Greek literature, καταπατέω is similarly employed to express both literal and figurative actions of trampling down enemies, fields, or ideas. It appears in works that discuss military conquest, physical domination, and social or philosophical contempt. This layered meaning, evident in both classical and New Testament contexts, reinforces the word’s strong connotation of disregard and disdain.

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

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 7:6: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample (καταπατήσουσιν) them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
• Luke 8:5: “The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled underfoot (κατεπατήθη), and the birds of the air ate it up.”
• Hebrews 10:29: “How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot (καταπατήσας) the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταπατέω (G2662)

The Greek word καταπατέω (katapateō) is a powerful term used to convey rejection, disdain, and destruction in both Biblical and classical Greek texts. The New Testament uses it to describe acts of contempt, such as trampling holy things underfoot or rejecting Christ’s sacrifice. Its classical usage reinforces these themes by depicting actions of physical and metaphorical domination. Understanding καταπατέω provides deeper insights into the ethical and theological implications of rejecting divine truths or trampling on what is sacred.

Did You Know?

1. καταπατέω is often used metaphorically in the New Testament to signify rejecting or despising something valuable or sacred.
2. The word appears more frequently in Greek literature describing warfare and conquests, highlighting its strong connotations of dominance and destruction.
3. In Hebrews 10:29, καταπατέω is used in a powerful theological context to describe the ultimate rejection of Christ’s sacrifice.