κατευθύνω
kateuthýnō
G2720 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make straight, to cause to go straight; by extension, to direct, guide, lead towards a goal or purpose. The primary sense relates to the act of straightening or making something right (as a path, road, or intention), and in figurative use, refers to setting someone's course or actions in the correct or intended direction.
Semantic Range
to make straight, to set right (a path or course), to guide, to direct, to lead toward a goal (literal and metaphorical), to set in order, to establish
Root / Etymology
From the preposition κατά ('down, according to, thoroughly') and εὐθύνω ('to make straight, to guide straight'). The compound intensifies the underlying meaning of straightening, impelling it towards the sense 'to straighten thoroughly' or 'to direct firmly.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, the verb εὐθύνω primarily means to straighten, make straight, or guide. The compound form κατευθύνω intensifies this notion, carrying the sense of 'directing or setting straight' with deliberate or thorough action. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it often appears in connection with paths, hearts, or ways, with a focus on setting a proper or righteous direction—e.g., directing one's path in life, making one's way or intentions correctly oriented. It is regularly used in prayerful or wishful contexts (e.g., 'May God direct your hearts'), reflecting a figurative, ethical, or spiritual sense rather than a literal, physical straightening. English translations sometimes render it as 'guide,' 'direct,' or 'make straight,' but these may soften the intensifying aspect of the verb. The use of the compound in Koine reflects broader Hellenistic Greek patterns of intensification and directional emphasis. Usage in extra-biblical Koine sources also retains both literal and figurative dimensions, often in administrative, personal, or rhetorical guidance contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and εὐθύνω; to straighten fully, i.e. (figuratively) direct:--guide, direct.
Root Family
κατευθύνω (kateuthynō) — to straighten, to direct, to guide
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2720-01 |
κατευθῦναι | kateuthunai | V AOR ACT INF |
direct | to straighten fully | to straighten fully | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2720-01 |
Luke 1:79 | κατευθῦναι | kateuthunai | V AOR ACT INF |
guide | to straighten fully | to straighten fully |
G2720-01 |
1 Thessalonians 3:11 | κατευθύναι | kateuthunai | V AOR ACT OPT 3P SG |
direct | to straighten fully | to straighten fully |
G2720-01 |
2 Thessalonians 3:5 | κατευθύναι | kateuthunai | V AOR ACT OPT 3P SG |
direct | to straighten fully | to straighten fully |