Brief Overview of πατέω (Strong’s G3961: pateō)

Strong’s G3961: A primary verb meaning to tread, trample, or walk upon. In biblical usage, it often carries connotations of dominion, victory, or conquest. Metaphorically used to express authority over enemies or opposition. Significant in passages about spiritual warfare and divine authority.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πατέω fundamentally means to tread or walk upon something, but carries deeper implications of authority and dominion. In the New Testament, it’s often used in contexts of spiritual victory and divine authority. The early church understood it as expressing Christ’s ultimate victory over evil powers and the authority He delegates to believers. Today, it reminds us of our position of authority in Christ and His final victory over all opposition.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πατέω, pateō, [pa-TEH-oh]
• Detailed pronunciation: pah-TEH-oh (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary verb
• Related to πάτος (path, walked way)
• Connected to Sanskrit path (path, way)
• Root *peth- (to tread)

D – Defining Meanings

• To tread under foot
• To trample upon
• To walk
• To subjugate or conquer

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primary verb

Translation Options:

• Tread upon – Physical action emphasis
• Trample – Implies forceful dominion
• Walk over – Neutral movement context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• περιπατέω [peripateō, peh-ree-pah-TEH-oh] – to walk around
• καταπατέω [katapateō, kah-tah-pah-TEH-oh] – to trample down
• βαίνω [bainō, BAI-no] – to walk, step

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb features:

• Present Active Indicative: πατέω
• Future: πατήσω
• Aorist: ἐπάτησα
• Perfect: πεπάτηκα

These morphological changes show:

• Regular -έω verb conjugation
• First aorist pattern
• Typical perfect formation
• Cross-references: πάτημα (something trodden)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in victory contexts. Thayer’s notes both literal and metaphorical uses. LSJ traces its development from simple walking to conquest imagery. Vine’s highlights its spiritual warfare applications. Moulton and Milligan show its use in agricultural contexts for treading grapes.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Behold, I give you the authority to tread [πατέω] on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

Additional References:
Revelation 14:20, Revelation 19:15, Luke 21:24

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πατέω powerfully illustrates Christ’s victory over evil and the authority He shares with His church. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus trampled death and sin, granting believers authority to walk in His victory. This word encourages us that in Christ, we have real spiritual authority over the enemy’s power.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient winemaking contexts for grape pressing
2. Appears in military victory monuments describing conquest
3. Early Christians used it in hymns about Christ’s victory over death

Strong’s G3961: A primary verb meaning to tread, trample, or walk upon. In biblical usage, it often carries connotations of dominion, victory, or conquest. Metaphorically used to express authority over enemies or opposition. Significant in passages about spiritual warfare and divine authority.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #SpiritualWarfare #Victory #Authority #Dominion #Walking #Conquest #ChristianLife #SpiritualAuthority #DivinePower #Triumph #Warfare​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​