Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words behind the translations helps unlock deeper layers of meaning in the scriptures. One such word is καταπονέω (kataponeō), a verb that appears in the New Testament and is often translated as “to oppress” or “to wear down.” This term is particularly significant for interpreting passages that describe suffering, hardship, or intense effort, as well as for understanding how ancient Greek culture viewed such experiences. The word also provides insight into the emotional and physical states described in both biblical and classical contexts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καταπονέω (kataponeō) [ka-ta-po-NEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and the verb πονέω (poneō), meaning “to labor” or “to toil.”
• 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 oppress or subject someone to severe hardship.
• To wear down or exhaust through continuous effort or struggle.
• To torment or afflict someone physically or mentally.

Similar Words

• πονέω (poneō) [po-NEH-oh]: Means “to toil” or “to labor.” It is the root form and does not have the intensified sense of oppression that καταπονέω carries.
• καταδυναστεύω (katadynasteuō) [ka-ta-du-na-STEH-oo]: Means “to overpower” or “to dominate.” While it also conveys oppression, it focuses more on dominance rather than the exhaustive aspect implied by καταπονέω.
• θλίβω (thlibō) [THLEE-boh]: Means “to press” or “to afflict.” It is often used metaphorically to describe emotional or spiritual pressure, unlike καταπονέω, which emphasizes weariness or exhaustion.

Morphological Features

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

Examples of Morphological Usage

• Present Indicative Active: Describes an ongoing or habitual action.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπονέω (I oppress/wear down)
• 3rd Person Plural: καταπονέουσι(ν) (they oppress/wear down)
• Aorist Indicative Active: Indicates a simple, completed action in the past.
• 1st Person Singular: κατεπόνησα (I oppressed/wore down)
• 3rd Person Plural: κατεπόνησαν (they oppressed/wore down)
• Perfect Indicative Active: Denotes a completed action with a resultant state.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπεπόνηκα (I have oppressed/worn down)
• 3rd Person Singular: καταπεπόνηκε (he/she/it has oppressed/worn down)
• Aorist Subjunctive Active: Expresses potential or purpose.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπονήσω (that I might oppress/wear down)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταπονήσητε (that you might oppress/wear down)
• Aorist Imperative Active: A command to perform the action.
• 2nd Person Singular: κατάπονησον (oppress/wear down!)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταπονήσατε (oppress/wear down, you all!)

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

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

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Lexicon Insights

The Greek word καταπονέω (kataponeō) is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of oppression, affliction, or wearing down through hardship. It appears in 2 Peter 2:7, describing Lot as being “greatly distressed” by the immoral behavior of the wicked in Sodom. This term emphasizes both the emotional and spiritual toll experienced by Lot, highlighting a state of being worn down by continuous exposure to unrighteousness.

In classical Greek literature, καταπονέω is often used to describe both literal and metaphorical weariness. It can depict the physical exhaustion of an army after a long battle or the emotional exhaustion of a person experiencing continuous grief or hardship. In philosophical texts, it may describe the mental weariness caused by grappling with complex problems or moral dilemmas. The word’s flexibility in conveying both physical and emotional weariness provides a deep understanding of human suffering and endurance.

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

Related Scripture References

• 2 Peter 2:7: “And if He rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed (κατεπόνησεν) by the sensual conduct of the wicked…”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταπονέω (G2669)

The Greek word καταπονέω (kataponeō) is essential for understanding the concepts of oppression, weariness, and suffering in both Biblical and classical texts. In the New Testament, it highlights the spiritual and emotional distress experienced by the righteous amidst unrighteousness. In classical Greek literature, it is used to depict various forms of physical and emotional weariness, providing a comprehensive view of human suffering and endurance in ancient contexts.

Did You Know?

1. The word καταπονέω combines the ideas of “pressing down” and “labor,” giving it a strong connotation of exhausting effort or oppression.
2. In the Septuagint, καταπονέω is often used to describe intense emotional or physical suffering, connecting the term to themes of human endurance and divine justice.
3. In ancient Greek literature, καταπονέω was used not only to describe physical exhaustion but also the psychological toll of continuous hardship or moral conflict.