κατήφεια
katḗpheia
G2726 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or condition of downcast demeanor, dejection, or gloomy appearance; the quality of being visibly pensive, sorrowful, or dispirited. Refers primarily to a physical and emotional bearing characterized by subdued or depressed countenance, often associated with internal sadness or restrained grief. Can also carry the connotation of demureness, as in a subdued, modest attitude, but with the predominant aspect of heaviness or dejection.
Semantic Range
downcast appearance, dejection, visible sadness, subdued or heavy demeanor, demureness marked by sorrow or pensiveness
Root / Etymology
From κατά (down, against) and related to a theoretical derivative of the root of φαίνω (to appear, to shine), suggesting the notion of 'down-appearing' or 'having a downcast look.' The word formation emphasizes the direction of affect (downward mood or appearance) as opposed to mere visibility.
Historical & Contextual Notes
κατήφεια is attested in post-classical Greek, with its sense solidified in Hellenistic and Koine periods. In classical usage, it denotes a person’s external demeanor reflecting inward sorrow, shame, or emotional suppression, often visible via posture and expression. While some English translations render it as 'heaviness' or 'sadness,' the term is broader, capturing not only emotional but also physical manifestations (such as a cast-down gaze or subdued bearing). The nuance includes elements of pensiveness or dejection, in contrast to θλῖψις (affliction) or λύπη (grief), which often stress inward experience over outward bearing. Use in the New Testament is rare, but when it appears, it emphasizes visible sorrow or meekness, differing from modern English 'demureness,' which now often implies coyness or modesty without sorrow. Standard translations may miss the strong visual and affective aspect of the word.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of κατά and perhaps a derivative of the base of φαίνω (meaning downcast in look); demureness, i.e. (by implication) sadness:--heaviness.
Root Family
κατηφ- (katḗpheia) — to be downcast, to appear dejected, to show visible sorrow
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2726-01 |
κατήφειαν | katepheian | N ACC F SG |
gloom | downcast dejection | downcast dejection | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2726-01 |
James 4:9 | κατήφειαν | katepheian | N ACC F SG |
gloom | downcast dejection | downcast dejection |