Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for gaining a deeper understanding of Scripture and its original meanings. The Greek word κατατίθημι (katatíthēmi) is particularly significant because it conveys the act of placing or laying something down. It is relevant to New Testament interpretation, where it is used to describe actions such as laying down one’s life or placing an object in a certain position. The term also provides insight into ancient Greek culture, where the concept of placing or laying down could have various meanings depending on context—ranging from literal placement to more metaphorical uses in philosophical and rhetorical contexts.

Key Information

The Greek Word:

• Greek Word: κατατίθημι
• Transliteration: katatíthēmi
• Pronunciation: ka-ta-TEE-thay-mee

Etymology:

• Root Words: Derived from the preposition κατά (katá) meaning “down” or “against,” and the verb τίθημι (títhēmi) meaning “to put” or “to place.” Together, they form the sense of “to place down” or “to set down.”

Part of Speech:

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Grammatical Details: Present active indicative; a compound verb from a combination of κατά (katá) and τίθημι (títhēmi).

The F.O.G Word Choice:

• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Lay Down or Deposit: Refers to the act of laying something down, such as placing a body in a tomb.
• To Set Aside or Reserve: Implies setting something aside or reserving it for a specific purpose.
• To Entrust or Commit: Can also mean to entrust something to someone’s care, suggesting a more abstract usage of trust or commitment.

Similar Words

• τίθημι (títhēmi) – Pronunciation: TEE-thay-mee
  Meaning: Means “to place” or “to put,” a simpler form compared to κατατίθημι which adds the nuance of “down” or “against.”
• καταλύω (katalýō) – Pronunciation: ka-ta-LOO-oh
  Meaning: Means “to destroy” or “to dismantle.” While it shares the prefix κατά (katá), it implies a different action—taking down rather than laying down.
• ἀποτίθημι (apotíthēmi) – Pronunciation: a-po-TEE-thay-mee
  Meaning: Means “to put away” or “to lay aside,” focusing on the removal or setting aside of something rather than simply placing it down.

Morphological Features

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood:
• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person and Number:
• Present Active Indicative:
  • 1st Person Singular: κατατίθημι (katatíthēmi) – “I lay down”
  • 2nd Person Singular: κατατίθης (katatíthēs) – “you lay down”
  • 3rd Person Singular: κατατίθησι(ν) (katatíthēsin) – “he/she/it lays down”
  • 1st Person Plural: κατατίθεμεν (katatíthemen) – “we lay down”
  • 2nd Person Plural: κατατίθετε (katatíthete) – “you (all) lay down”
  • 3rd Person Plural: κατατίθεσι(ν) (katatíthēsin) – “they lay down”

Conjugation Table for Present Active Indicative

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

κατατίθημι (katatíthēmi) is understood across Greek lexicons to denote the act of laying something down or setting something in place. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the act of laying down a body in a tomb, symbolizing a final resting or setting. The term also carries theological implications when considering the acts of trust or commitment—entrusting something into another’s care. In classical contexts, the word appears in legal and rhetorical discussions, often conveying the idea of presenting something formally or setting a foundation for argument.

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

Related Scripture References

• Mark 15:46: “And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him [κατέθηκεν] in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.” (The term κατέθηκεν indicates the act of laying down or setting down.)

Classical Usage

Summary of κατατίθημι (G2698)

The Greek word κατατίθημι (katatíthēmi) is a significant verb in both biblical and classical contexts, capturing the essence of placing, laying down, or entrusting. Its usage in the New Testament, particularly in narratives like the burial of Jesus, adds layers of meaning that are both literal and theological. In classical Greek literature, the term is frequently used in philosophical and rhetorical contexts, indicating its broader application beyond religious texts.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The prefix κατά (katá) often adds a sense of “downward” or “against,” enriching the meaning of τίθημι (títhēmi) to imply more than just placing—it suggests intentional positioning or entrusting.
• Fact 2: In rhetorical contexts, κατατίθημι is often used to mean “laying down an argument” or “setting forth a premise,” indicating its importance in logic and debate.
• Fact 3: The word’s use in the context of burial, as seen in the New Testament, ties it to themes of finality, care, and sacred trust.