καταστρηνιάω
katastrēniáō
G2691 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To become wanton toward, to indulge in sensual or undisciplined behavior toward someone or something, especially with an implication of rebellion against previous restraint or obligation. The core sense is to give oneself over to sensual pleasure or self-indulgence in a manner that sets one in opposition to an expected loyalty or discipline. Contextually, in the New Testament, it depicts a turning away from prior devotion or restraint into unrestrained, self-seeking conduct, often with a sexual or hedonistic connotation.
Semantic Range
to become wanton toward, to indulge in sensual excess in opposition to prior restraint, to act rebelliously due to sensual desire, to become self-indulgent against a previous commitment
Root / Etymology
Compound of the preposition κατά (against, down, in opposition) and the verb στρηνιάω (to live luxuriously, to indulge in sensual excess).
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested only in later Koine Greek, with use in the New Testament at 1 Timothy 5:11, where it refers specifically to young widows who break from faithfulness to prior commitments (to the 'first faith') by yielding to sensual or self-indulgent desires. In classical and Hellenistic usage, the root στρηνιάω communicates excessive living or debauchery, but the compound καταστρηνιάω intensifies this by indicating an active turning against a previous state or commitment, not just generic excess. English translations often use 'wax wanton against' or 'become wanton,' but these do not fully convey the nuance of rebellion or opposition to prior restraint implied by the prefix κατά. The term is rare and found primarily in Christian contexts, with little evidence in secular Greek outside lexicographical and Christian writings. In LXX and wider Hellenistic literature, στρηνιάω and related forms more often describe general dissolute living.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and στρηνιάω; to become voluptuous against:--begin to wax wanton against.
Root Family
καταστρηνιάω (katastrēniaō) — to indulge, to live luxuriously, to become wanton against
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2691-01 |
καταστρηνιάσωσιν | katastreniasosin | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL |
they become wanton against | they might turn wanton against | they might turn wanton against | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2691-01 |
1 Timothy 5:11 | καταστρηνιάσωσιν | katastreniasosin | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL |
they become wanton against | they might turn wanton against | they might turn wanton against |