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καταβάλλω

katabállō

G2598 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To throw down, to cause to fall by casting or thrusting from a higher to a lower place. The primary sense is physical action of throwing or letting fall to a lower position, but in extended and metaphorical contexts, it can refer to laying a foundation, causing destruction, or bringing down from a position of authority or security. The term includes both concrete physical displacement and metaphorical acts of casting down from status, position, or security.

Semantic Range

to throw down, to cast down, to strike down, to lay (as a foundation), to cause downfall, to demolish, to depose from position

Root / Etymology

From the preposition κατά (down, against) and the verb βάλλω (to throw, to cast). Formed as a compound verb; literally, 'to throw down.' No foreign derivation; native Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, καταβάλλω is often used for the literal act of throwing something down or to the ground, such as in wrestling (overthrowing an opponent) or casting objects from a height. It appears in Hellenistic Greek with a broader semantic range, including metaphorical meanings such as demolishing a building or laying a foundation (in the sense of casting down the base layer). In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew verbs meaning to throw down, destroy, or subdue. In the New Testament, usage is rare but retains the base meaning of casting down (2 Corinthians 4:9 refers metaphorically to being 'cast down' but not destroyed). English translations like 'cast down' or 'lay' are context-dependent, but 'throw down' remains the core sense. Related words such as βάλλω (to throw) and ἀναβάλλω (to throw up, delay) offer contrast in direction or sense. The term does not commonly denote moral disapproval or mere deposition unless contextually implied.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and βάλλω; to throw down:--cast down, lay.

Root Family

βαλ- (ekbállō) — to throw, to cast, to put

Root βαλ- to throw, to cast, to let fall
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1544 ἐκβάλλω Drive out!
G1685 ἐμβάλλω to throw into
G306 ἀναβάλλομαι he deferred for himself
G905 βαλάντιον money pouches
G906 βάλλω Throw!

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2598-01 καταβαλλόμενοι kataballomenoi V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M PL laying being cast down being cast down 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2598-01 2 Corinthians 4:9 καταβαλλόμενοι kataballomenoi V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M PL struck down being cast down being cast down
G2598-01 Hebrews 6:1 καταβαλλόμενοι kataballomenoi V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL laying being cast down laying down
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