καθώς
kathṓs
G2531 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
A comparative conjunction meaning 'just as,' 'in the same way,' or 'according as,' introducing a comparison, manner, measure, or standard between clauses or phrases. It is used to relate actions, states, or qualities by likeness, degree, or correspondence. Its primary sense is to indicate equivalence or conformity between two statements or actions. Semantic range includes: according as, in the same manner as, just as, even as, as, to the extent that, since, seeing that (in some causal constructions).
Semantic Range
just as, even as, according as, in the same manner as, to the extent that, since (in causal contexts), as
Root / Etymology
From the preposition κατά (according to, down from) and the comparative particle ὡς (as, like). The compound formation renders a strengthened comparative sense: 'according as.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, καθώς developed as a standard comparative conjunction, less frequent than simple ὡς but used to emphasize exactness or conformity. By the Koine period, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, καθώς gained prominence as a connector to indicate direct comparison, pattern, or basis (e.g., 'just as Moses lifted up...'). Sometimes, especially in narrative or didactic passages, the word introduces grounds or reason, bordering on causal meaning ('since'). English translations often flatten its nuance to 'as' or 'just as,' sometimes missing the emphatic or formulaic use found in ancient Greek. Unlike ὡς, which can be used for both real and hypothetical comparison, καθώς typically signals a real or actual correspondence. Comparative with καθάπερ, which is more formal or elaborate, καθώς is more common and idiomatic in Koine.
Translation Consistency
καθώς functions as a comparative/concessive/casual connector (just as, in the same way, according as, since). The single word “as” naturally covers the typical comparative and causal senses in English, is concise and idiomatic, and allows consistent rendering across all occurrences.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and ὡς; just (or inasmuch) as, that:--according to, (according, even) as, how, when.
Root Family
καθώς (kathōs) — according to, as, in the manner of, in conformity with
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2531-01 |
καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
as | just as | just as | 182 |
Occurrences in Scripture
182 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2531-01 |
Matthew 21:6 | καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
as | just as | just as |
G2531-01 |
Matthew 26:24 | καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
as | just as | just as |
G2531-01 |
Matthew 28:6 | καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
just-as | just as | just as |
G2531-01 |
Mark 1:2 | καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
As | just as | just as |
G2531-01 |
Mark 4:33 | καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
as | just as | just as |
G2531-01 |
Mark 9:13 | καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
as | just as | just as |
G2531-01 |
Mark 11:6 | καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
just as | just as | just as |
G2531-01 |
Mark 14:16 | καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
as | just as | just as |
G2531-01 |
Mark 14:21 | καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
as | just as | just as |
G2531-01 |
Mark 15:8 | καθὼς | kathos | ADV |
as | just as | just as |