κατατρέχω (G2701) — Greek Lexicon

κατατρέχω

katatréchō

G2701 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To run down from a higher place (especially with urgency or haste); to descend quickly or rush down, often implying movement from an elevated structure, location, or position. The primary lexical meaning involves the physical action of descending at speed, with connotations of immediacy or eagerness in certain contexts.

Semantic Range

to run down (from an elevated place), to hasten or rush down, to descend quickly

Root / Etymology

From the preposition κατά (down, from above, according to) and the verb τρέχω (to run); thus, literally 'to run down.' This is a compound verb formed by prefixing κατά to τρέχω. The formation is transparent and follows common Greek compound patterns.

Historical & Contextual Notes

κατατρέχω appears infrequently in extant Greek literature. In Koine Greek, and the New Testament specifically, it is used to describe someone descending rapidly or with urgency, often from a physically higher to a lower place (e.g., descending from a tower or elevated area). The action implies both movement downward and swiftness rather than a mere gentle descent. This word is distinct from simply ἔρχομαι (to go) or καταβαίνω (to go/come down), as it stresses the speed or urgency of the descent. While English translations sometimes render it as 'run down,' the nuance of haste and downward motion can be lost. In non-biblical and later Greek, the verb remains uncommon but maintains the physical sense of rapid, downward movement. The compound pattern parallels other Greek verbs of motion with κατά, where the prefix indicates direction from above.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and τρέχω; to run down, i.e. hasten from a tower:--run down.

Root Family

κατα- + τρεχ- (katatréchō) — to run, to descend, to move swiftly from above

Root κατα- + τρεχ- to run, to descend, to move swiftly from above

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2701-01`	κατέδραμεν	katedramen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	ran down	he rushed down	he rushed down	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2701-01`	Acts 21:32	κατέδραμεν	katedramen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	ran down	he rushed down	he rushed down

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