Brief Overview of καταξιόω (Strong’s G2661: kataxioō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for grasping the full meaning and depth of the New Testament texts. The word καταξιόω (kataxioō) is significant because it relates to concepts of worthiness and deservingness, which are key themes in both theological discussions and moral philosophy within ancient Greek culture. Knowing the full range of meanings and uses of καταξιόω can enrich our understanding of passages where it is used, giving us deeper insight into early Christian thought and Greek literature.

Key Information

The Greek Word: καταξιόω (kataxioō) [ka-ta-xee-OH-oh]
Etymology: From the root words κατά (kata, meaning “down, according to”) and ἀξιόω (axioō, meaning “to deem worthy”).
Part of Speech: Verb; primarily used in the active voice but can also appear in passive forms depending on the context.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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To deem worthy
To consider someone deserving
To make worthy

Similar Words: The Greek verb ἀξιόω (axioō) [ax-ee-OH-oh] is closely related, meaning “to consider worthy” or “to think fit.” While καταξιόω (kataxioō) emphasizes the act of deeming someone worthy often with a sense of fulfillment or completion (kata- implying intensity), ἀξιόω (axioō) is more neutral in its application.

Morphological Features

As a verb, καταξιόω (kataxioō) can be conjugated in various tenses, voices, and moods. Below is a breakdown of its morphological features:

Tense, Voice, Mood:
Present Tense: Focuses on a current, ongoing action (e.g., “deeming worthy”).
Aorist Tense: Refers to a simple, undefined action often viewed as a whole (e.g., “deemed worthy”).
Perfect Tense: Indicates a completed action with ongoing effects (e.g., “has been deemed worthy”).
Active Voice: The subject performs the action (e.g., “he deems worthy”).
Passive Voice: The subject receives the action (e.g., “he is deemed worthy”).
Indicative Mood: States a fact or asks a question.
Subjunctive Mood: Expresses potential or hypothetical actions.
Imperative Mood: Issues commands or requests.
Person and Number: The word is conjugated differently for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd persons, as well as in singular and plural forms.

Below is a conjugation table for καταξιόω (kataxioō) in the Present Indicative Active:

Person	Singular	Plural
1st	καταξιώ (kataxiō)	καταξιοῦμεν (kataxioúmen)
2nd	καταξιοῖς (kataxiois)	καταξιοῦτε (kataxioúte)
3rd	καταξιοῖ (kataxioi)	καταξιοῦσι(ν) (kataxioûsin)

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: καταξιόω (kataxioō) is primarily defined as “to consider worthy,” with emphasis on divine approval or worthiness in the context of early Christian writings. It often relates to being deemed worthy of God’s kingdom or spiritual inheritance.

Thayers: Describes καταξιόω (kataxioō) as “to account worthy, to judge worthy,” particularly in reference to moral and spiritual worth.

Vines: Discusses καταξιόω (kataxioō) within the framework of New Testament theology, often connected to God’s actions of deeming believers worthy of His kingdom or presence.

LSJ: Offers a broader classical perspective, where καταξιόω (kataxioō) can mean “to deem worthy” or “to demand as fitting,” often in philosophical or legal contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: καταξιόω (kataxioō) is rendered as “count worthy” and appears in contexts that emphasize judgment, recognition, or approval.

Related Scripture References

Luke 20:35: “But those who are considered worthy [καταξιωθέντες] to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage.”
2 Thessalonians 1:5: “This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy [καταξιωθῆναι] of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.”
Acts 5:41: “So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy [κατηξιώθησαν] to suffer shame for His name.”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text
Plato	Republic	“The rulers must deem the soldiers worthy (καταξιόω) of honor.”
Herodotus	Histories	“He deemed it worthy (καταξιόω) to establish a festival.”
Epictetus	Discourses	“We ought not to deem ourselves worthy (καταξιόω) of things beyond our nature.”
Septuagint	1 Maccabees 2:18	“Now, therefore, come and fulfill the king’s command and you will be of the king’s friends and you and your children will be honored (καταξιωθῆναι).”
Septuagint	2 Maccabees 6:23	“But he, welcoming death with honor rather than life with pollution, went to the rack, as those who go should be considered worthy (καταξιόω).”
Septuagint	Psalm 38:5 (LXX 39:5)	“My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness; I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long (καταξιόω).”

Summary of καταξιόω (G2661: kataxioō)

The Greek verb καταξιόω (kataxioō) carries rich connotations of worthiness and deservingness, often with a divine or moral undertone. Its usage spans from the New Testament, where it signifies divine approval or worthiness, to classical Greek literature, where it emphasizes justice, honor, and philosophical ideas about human nature. Understanding its grammatical forms, related words, and biblical and classical contexts enhances our appreciation of its role in early Christian teachings and ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

καταξιόω (kataxioō) appears primarily in contexts involving divine judgment or moral approval, which emphasizes its theological importance.
In the New Testament, this word is often used to express the worthiness granted by God to believers, especially in eschatological contexts.
Classical Greek authors used καταξιόω (kataxioō) not only in philosophical texts but also in legal and rhetorical contexts to express notions of deserving honor or action.