κατασκιάζω (G2683) — Greek Lexicon

κατασκιάζω

kataskiázō

G2683 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To cast a shadow upon, to shade, to cover with shade or shadow. In extended contexts, to envelop, obscure, or provide protection by means of shade, whether literal or metaphorical. The primary sense is physical shading or overshadowing; applied metaphorically to denote covering or the presence of an overwhelming influence (often with a nuanced sense of divine or supernatural intervention).

Semantic Range

to shade, to cast a shadow upon, to cover with shade, to envelop, to obscure, to shelter or protect by shading, to indicate the presence of an overwhelming (often divine) power

Root / Etymology

From the preposition κατά ('down, against') and a verbal form derived from σκιά ('shadow, shade'), literally meaning 'to create shadow down upon' or 'to overshadow.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb κατασκιάζω appears mainly in Koine Greek sources, with rare or non-existent attestation in classical Greek. In the Septuagint, it can describe literal overshadowing by clouds or wings, or metaphorically imply protective covering (e.g., of the divine presence). Most notably in the New Testament (Luke 1:35, etc.), it depicts the 'overshadowing' action of divine or supernatural power, though the basic sense remains neutral—'to cast a shadow upon.' While some English translations use 'overshadow,' the underlying Greek can connote both a physical shadow and a figurative covering or enveloping. It is related to, but more intensive than, the simple verb σκιάζω ('to shade'). The word typically does not itself denote darkness or obscurity in a negative sense, but focuses on the act of creating shade or a covering presence. Later theological interpretations may assign it specific religious significance, but the word itself is descriptive of the act or effect of shadowing or enveloping.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and a derivative of σκιά; to overshade, i.e. cover:--shadow.

Root Family

κατασκιάζω (kataskiazō) — to shade, to cast a shadow, to cover

Root σκιά- to shade, to cast a shadow, to cover

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2683-01`	κατασκιάζοντα	kataskiazonta	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N PL`	overshadowing	shading down upon	overshadowing	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2683-01`	Hebrews 9:5	κατασκιάζοντα	kataskiazonta	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N PL`	overshadowing	shading down upon	overshadowing

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