Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for biblical studies, as it provides deeper insight into scriptural meanings and the context of ancient texts. The Greek word κατατοξεύω (katatoxeúō) is significant in this regard. Although it is used only once in the New Testament, it offers valuable insights into the martial imagery and language found in both the Old and New Testaments. This word is particularly relevant for understanding passages that involve archery or battle metaphors, which were commonly used in ancient Greek culture to convey spiritual truths, conflict, and divine judgment. Exploring this term helps illuminate the nuances of such metaphors and the cultural background of ancient warfare.

Key Information

The Greek Word:

• Greek Word: κατατοξεύω
• Transliteration: katatoxeúō
• Pronunciation: ka-ta-tok-SEY-oo

Etymology:

• Root Words: Derived from the preposition κατά (katá) meaning “down” or “against,” and τοξεύω (toxeúō) meaning “to shoot arrows” or “to use a bow.” Combined, they convey the sense of “shooting down” or “striking with arrows.”

Part of Speech:

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Grammatical Details: Regular verb conjugation, middle and passive voices.

The F.O.G Word Choice:

• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Shoot Down: Literally means to shoot arrows downward or to bring down with arrows.
• To Strike with Arrows: Implies the act of targeting and striking an enemy or object with arrows.
• To Overwhelm by Archery: Used metaphorically to indicate overwhelming or subduing through archery or similar means.

Similar Words

• τοξεύω (toxeúō) – Pronunciation: tok-SEY-oo
  Meaning: Means “to use a bow” or “to shoot arrows,” without the intensified sense added by the prefix κατά (katá).
• καταβαλλώ (kataballō) – Pronunciation: ka-ta-BAL-lo
  Meaning: Means “to throw down” or “to cast down,” emphasizing a forceful downward motion but without the specificity of archery.
• βάλλω (ballō) – Pronunciation: BAL-lo
  Meaning: Means “to throw” or “to cast,” used more broadly and not specifically related to archery or weaponry.

Morphological Features

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood:
• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Middle, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative, Infinitive
• Person and Number:
• 1st, 2nd, 3rd Person
• Singular, Plural
• Aspect:
• Imperfective: Emphasizes ongoing or repeated action (e.g., “I am shooting down”).
• Perfective: Focuses on the completion of an action (e.g., “I have shot down”).
• Stative: Emphasizes the resulting state after the action (e.g., “I am in the state of having shot down”).
• Conjugation Table (Present Indicative Example):

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

The word κατατοξεύω (katatoxeúō) is noted in various Greek lexicons as primarily meaning “to shoot down” with arrows. It is employed metaphorically in literature to denote overwhelming one’s enemies or subduing them through military might or divine judgment. In the New Testament, such metaphors could resonate with descriptions of spiritual warfare, where the imagery of arrows or shooting down might represent God’s judgments or the actions of spiritual forces. Classical Greek texts utilize this verb in similar contexts of war and conflict, emphasizing the tactical advantage of archery in ancient battles and its symbolism for power, strategy, and divine intervention.

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

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 12:20 – “For they could not endure the command, ‘If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be [shot down (κατατοξεύω)].'”
  This verse utilizes the term κατατοξεύω to depict a form of divine judgment that highlights the seriousness of approaching God’s holy mountain under the old covenant.

Classical Usage

Summary of κατατοξεύω (G2700)

The Greek word κατατοξεύω (katatoxeúō) enriches our understanding of biblical and classical texts, particularly in contexts involving martial imagery. As a verb meaning “to shoot down” or “to strike with arrows,” it provides a vivid metaphor for divine judgment, spiritual warfare, and the conflicts faced by both ancient and modern believers. By studying this term, we gain a fuller appreciation of the tactical and theological layers present in biblical passages and ancient Greek literature.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: Archery was a vital aspect of ancient warfare, and words like κατατοξεύω reflect the importance of this skill in both military and metaphorical contexts.
• Fact 2: In Greek mythology, gods like Apollo were often depicted as archers, “shooting down” those who defied divine order, echoing the use of κατατοξεύω.
• Fact 3: The metaphor of shooting arrows is used in both positive (divine justice) and negative (wrath and destruction) contexts, highlighting its flexibility in Greek and biblical literature.