καταδιώκω
katadiṓkō
G2614 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To pursue intensely, often with a sense of searching out in order to overtake, apprehend, or harass; more specifically, to hunt down or chase after with focused intent. In various contexts, denotes both literal pursuit (as in hunting or following an individual) and metaphorical pursuit (as of seeking advantage or pressing a cause).
Semantic Range
to hunt down, to chase intensely, to pursue with determination, to seek eagerly, to persecute, to follow persistently
Root / Etymology
From the preposition κατά (kata, 'down, against, according to') and διώκω (diōkō, 'to pursue, chase, persecute'). The compound intensifies the sense of pursuit, emphasizing thoroughness or downward pressure; compare related compounds such as ἐκδιώκω (to drive out, expel).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic sources, καταδιώκω appears primarily in legal or military contexts for following or pursuing an individual, army, or goal with vigor. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew verbs meaning 'to pursue closely' in military or judicial actions (e.g., chasing in battle or seeking vengeance). In the New Testament, the verb can be used both for literal pursuit and for metaphorical seeking or persisting after, often with the sense of perseverance — but also with possible connotations of persecution. English translation as 'follow after' may understate the verb’s intensity or adversarial nuance. The sense leans more toward 'to pursue with determination,' whether hostile, legal, or zealous in intent. Its force is typically stronger than simple διώκω, which may simply mean to pursue or chase.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and διώκω; to hunt down, i.e. search for:--follow after.
Root Family
καταδιώκω (katadiōkō) — pursue, chase, oppress
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2614-01 |
κατεδίωξεν | katedioxen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
pursued | hunted down | pursued | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2614-01 |
Mark 1:36 | κατεδίωξεν | katedioxen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
pursued | hunted down | pursued |