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καθάπερ

katháper

G2509 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

An adverbial conjunction meaning 'just as, exactly as, in the same way as.' Used to introduce a comparison or analogy, emphasizing precision or exact correspondence between two actions, states, or conditions. Functions to heighten the force of comparison, often serving to draw a direct parallel or strict likeness in narrative, argument, or moral instruction.

Semantic Range

just as, exactly as, precisely as, even as, in the same way as

Root / Etymology

Composed of the prepositional prefix καθά (meaning 'as, just as') + the enclitic particle περ (emphatic, strengthening the comparison); thus, καθάπερ intensifies the sense of 'exactly as.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, καθάπερ regularly marks precise or emphatic comparative clauses. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it continues this function, often introducing illustrative or explanatory comparisons (for example, in analogy passages or where moral or theological parallels are drawn). Unlike the simple καθώς ('as, just as'), καθάπερ typically makes the comparison more exact or emphatic. English translations often render both as 'just as' or 'even as,' but καθάπερ stresses an exact correspondence or heightened likeness. The word is common in both literary and rhetorical Koine Greek, though less frequent than simpler comparative conjunctions. The development and use of καθάπερ are consistent from classical through Koine periods, without significant semantic shift.

Translation Consistency

primary "just" 13 occurrences

Katháper functions primarily to introduce a close comparison—‘just as’/‘in the same way as.’ ‘Just’ is the most natural, idiomatic single-word choice that pairs with ‘as’ to reproduce the usual English comparative phrasing, covers the typical semantic range (including precise likeness), and will read smoothly and consistently across all occurrences.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"exactly as" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from καθά and περ; exactly as:--(even, as well) as.

Root Family

καθάπερ (katháper) — just as, exactly as, in the same way

Root καθά- as, just as, in the same way

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2509-01 καθάπερ kathaper ADV just as exactly as just as 13
G2509-02 καθώσπερ kathosper ADV even as exactly as exactly as 1

Occurrences in Scripture

14 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2509-01 Romans 4:6 καθάπερ kathaper ADV just as exactly as just as
G2509-01 Romans 12:4 καθάπερ kathaper ADV just as exactly as just as
G2509-01 1 Corinthians 10:10 καθάπερ kathaper ADV as exactly as just as
G2509-01 1 Corinthians 12:12 καθάπερ kathaper ADV For just as exactly as just as
G2509-01 2 Corinthians 1:14 καθάπερ kathaper ADV even as exactly as just as
G2509-01 2 Corinthians 3:13 καθάπερ kathaper ADV as exactly as just as
G2509-01 2 Corinthians 3:18 καθάπερ kathaper ADV even as exactly as just as
G2509-01 2 Corinthians 8:11 καθάπερ kathaper ADV just as exactly as just as
G2509-01 1 Thessalonians 2:11 καθάπερ kathaper ADV just as exactly as just as
G2509-01 1 Thessalonians 3:6 καθάπερ kathaper ADV just as exactly as just as
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