καταστρώννυμι (G2693) — Greek Lexicon

καταστρώννυμι

katastrṓnnymi

G2693 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To spread or lay down (something) over a surface, to cover completely, often with the sense of preparing the ground or a place; more broadly, to make a surface ready through spreading or strewing. In extended or metaphorical contexts, to cause to be laid down, to cast down, or to overthrow (as in reducing something to ruins or defeat). The primary sense is physical spreading, but the verb can carry the sense of causing someone or something to be laid low or subjugated, by extension.

Semantic Range

to spread out or scatter (materials or objects), to cover a surface thoroughly, to prepare by covering or strewing, to lay low, to cast down, to subdue or overthrow (fig.), to prostrate

Root / Etymology

From the preposition κατά (down, against) and the verb στρώννυμι (to spread, strew, make a bed). The compound intensifies the action of στρώννυμι by adding force or direction, usually implying thoroughness or completeness.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, στρώννυμι means 'to spread' or 'to strew' — commonly used for spreading bedding, cloth, or straw. The compound καταστρώννυμι arose later (appearing especially in Hellenistic and Koine Greek). Its earliest uses are typically physical (e.g., spreading debris, cloths, or straw to cover a surface). In LXX and some later Koine literature (including the New Testament), this verb also developed metaphorical senses: to lay low, subdue, or overthrow (e.g., enemies, cities). Common English translations (such as 'overthrow' or 'slay') often favor these metaphorical or extended meanings, but the underlying image is one of causing something or someone to be spread upon the ground or prostrated. The primary classical and Hellenistic emphasis remains on the action of spreading or thoroughly covering.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and στρώννυμι; to strew down, i.e. (by implication) to prostrate (slay):--overthrow.

Root Family

καταστρώννυμι (katastrōnnymi) — to spread down, to strew, to lay down, to cast down, to overthrow

Root στρώννυμι to spread, to strew, to cover, to lay down

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2693-01`	κατεστρώθησαν	katestrothesan	`V AOR PASS IND 3P PL`	they were overthrown	they were laid low	they were laid low	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2693-01`	1 Corinthians 10:5	κατεστρώθησαν	katestrothesan	`V AOR PASS IND 3P PL`	they were overthrown	they were laid low	they were laid low

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