καθοράω
kathoráō
G2529 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to see or perceive clearly, to observe with particular attention or understanding; primary sense is to observe fully or with clarity, either physically (to see distinctly) or metaphorically (to apprehend, discern, recognize fully). Can connote perceiving in a comprehensive or decisive manner.
Semantic Range
to see clearly, to perceive or apprehend fully, to observe with discernment, to behold distinctly, to recognize with understanding, to look down upon (occasionally), to realize or comprehend
Root / Etymology
from the preposition κατά ('down, according to, thoroughly') and the verb ὁράω ('to see'); forms a compound meaning 'to see thoroughly' or 'to observe fully'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, καθοράω appears in philosophical and general literature with the sense of perceiving clearly, seeing thoroughly, grasping the full nature or significance of something. In the Koine period, including the New Testament and Septuagint, the term often conveys the idea of direct or unimpeded vision, both literal and mental. While ὁράω can carry the simple meaning 'to see', καθοράω places emphasis on completeness or clarity of perception, sometimes implying special insight or a decisive recognition that goes beyond mere sight. English translations often render it as 'see clearly', 'behold clearly', or 'perceive distinctly', but may fail to reflect the degree of thoroughness or comprehensiveness in perception. The word is relatively rare in the New Testament but is sometimes used to emphasize the contrast between partial and complete sight or understanding, especially in philosophical or rhetorical contexts. In Hellenistic Greek outside the biblical corpus, it can also refer to looking down upon from above (in both the literal and figurative senses), though this is less prominent in scriptural usage. The core nuance is not simple viewing, but seeing something with undivided attention or in its fullness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and ὁράω; to behold fully, i.e. (figuratively) distinctly apprehend:--clearly see.
Root Family
καθοράω (kathoraō) — to see, to perceive, to observe
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2529-01 |
καθορᾶται | kathoratai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
are clearly seen | is clearly perceived | is clearly perceived | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2529-01 |
Romans 1:20 | καθορᾶται | kathoratai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
are clearly seen | is clearly perceived | is clearly perceived |