καθήκω
kathḗkō
G2520 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to be fitting, proper, or appropriate; denotes that which is suitable or becoming in a particular context, especially in reference to conduct or situation. In grammatical usage, often found in the neuter participle as an adjective meaning 'what is fitting' or 'that which is proper.' The semantic range includes appropriateness, suitability, or what is morally or socially expected.
Semantic Range
to be fitting, to be appropriate, to be proper, to be becoming, to be suitable, to be morally right, to meet a standard, what is convenient, what is customary
Root / Etymology
From κατά (down, according to) and ἥκω (to have come, to be present). The compound expresses the idea of 'coming to a standard,' hence 'to be fitting or appropriate.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in post-classical and Hellenistic Greek, especially in philosophical and ethical writings (e.g., Stoics) to describe conduct or reasoning that is proper or in accordance with an accepted standard. In Koine Greek, especially in the New Testament and related literature, the term functions as an adjective in forms like τὸ καθῆκον, 'the fitting thing.' English Bible translations rarely present kathḗkō as a distinct verb; instead, they often translate the adjective or noun forms derived from it as 'proper,' 'fitting,' or 'appropriate.' The word is less common in earlier Greek, with its prominent usage emerging in moral and philosophical contexts rather than in general descriptive prose.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and ἥκω; to reach to, i.e. (neuter of present active participle, figuratively as adjective) becoming:-- convenient, fit.
Root Family
καθήκ- (kathḗkō) — to be fitting, to be appropriate, to be proper
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2520-01 |
καθῆκεν | katheken | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
it is fit | it was fitting | it is fitting | 1 |
G2520-02 |
καθήκοντα | kathekonta | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC N PL |
convenient | the fitting things | fitting things | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2520-01 |
Acts 22:22 | καθῆκεν | katheken | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
it is fit | it was fitting | it is fitting |
G2520-02 |
Romans 1:28 | καθήκοντα | kathekonta | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC N PL |
convenient | the fitting things | fitting things |