Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament is crucial for grasping the full depth and nuance of the scriptures. One such word is καταπίπτω (katapiptō), a verb that conveys various meanings related to falling down or collapsing. This word is particularly significant for interpreting passages involving judgment, despair, or humility. Its use in ancient Greek culture also provides insights into physical and metaphorical expressions of falling, making it an essential term for both Biblical and classical studies.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καταπίπτω (katapiptō) [ka-ta-PEEP-toh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and the verb πίπτω (piptō), meaning “to fall.”
• Part of Speech: Verb. It primarily appears in the active voice with various forms depending on tense, voice, and mood.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To fall down, collapse, or descend from a higher place to a lower one.
• To be overcome by fear or despair; to collapse emotionally or spiritually.
• To fall prostrate, often in an act of reverence, worship, or submission.

Similar Words

• πίπτω (piptō) [PEEP-toh]: Means “to fall.” It is the root form and generally refers to the action of falling without the intensified direction implied by καταπίπτω.
• ἐκπίπτω (ekpiptō) [ek-PEEP-toh]: Means “to fall out” or “to fail.” This word often implies a falling away or loss, particularly in moral or spiritual contexts.
• κατακλίνω (kataklinō) [ka-ta-KLEE-noh]: Means “to recline” or “to lie down.” While related to positioning, it does not carry the same sense of sudden collapse or falling down.

Morphological Features

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

Examples of Morphological Usage

• Present Indicative Active: Describes a continuous or habitual action.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπίπτω (I fall down)
• 3rd Person Plural: καταπίπτουσι(ν) (they fall down)
• Aorist Indicative Active: Indicates a simple, completed action in the past.
• 1st Person Singular: κατέπεσον (I fell down)
• 3rd Person Plural: κατέπεσον (they fell down)
• Perfect Indicative Active: Denotes a completed action with a resultant state.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπέπτωκα (I have fallen down)
• 3rd Person Singular: καταπέπτωκε (he/she/it has fallen down)
• Aorist Subjunctive Active: Expresses potential or purpose.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπέσω (that I might fall down)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταπέσητε (that you might fall down)
• Aorist Imperative Active: A command to perform the action.
• 2nd Person Singular: κατάπεσε (fall down!)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταπέσετε (fall down, you all!)

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

Aspect: The verb καταπίπτω conveys different aspects depending on the tense. The imperfective aspect (present tense) emphasizes ongoing or repeated action. The perfective aspect (aorist tense) highlights a single, completed action, while the stative aspect (perfect tense) implies a state resulting from a completed action, such as having fallen.

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Lexicon Insights

The Greek word καταπίπτω (katapiptō) is often used in the New Testament to describe both literal and metaphorical falling. For instance, in Hebrews 6:6, it is used to describe those who have “fallen away” (καταπίπτω) from faith, indicating a spiritual collapse. In Acts 26:14, it is used to describe the physical act of falling to the ground when encountering a divine presence. These varied usages show the flexibility of the term in conveying physical, emotional, and spiritual states of falling or collapsing.

In classical Greek literature, καταπίπτω frequently describes physical falling or collapsing, such as when a soldier collapses in battle or when a structure falls. Philosophical texts also use the word metaphorically to describe falling into despair or losing one’s moral footing. This dual usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts gives the word a rich depth that is applicable to various theological and existential discussions.

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

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 6:6: “And then have fallen away (καταπίπτειν), it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.”
• Acts 26:14: “And when we had all fallen (κατέπεσον) to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’”
• Mark 9:20: “They brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling (κατέπεσεν) to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταπίπτω (G2667)

The Greek word καταπίπτω (katapiptō) is integral to understanding both literal and metaphorical expressions of falling, collapsing, or descending in Biblical and classical texts. It is used to describe physical actions, such as falling to the ground, as well as emotional and spiritual states, such as falling into despair or apostasy. This word’s rich range of meanings offers deep insights into themes of humility, judgment, and divine encounters.

Did You Know?

1. The word καταπίπτω is often used in the New Testament to describe spiritual or moral falling, highlighting the serious implications of apostasy or failure in faith.
2. In classical literature, καταπίπτω is frequently used to depict both literal physical falls and metaphorical descents into despair or emotional collapse.
3. The compound form of καταπίπτω, with its prefix “κατά,” emphasizes the downward motion or direction, making it a powerful word to convey total collapse or surrender.