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κάτω

kátō

G2736 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

Primarily, 'down, below'—denoting a position lower in physical space or status relative to another reference point. It functions as an adverb of place, indicating movement or location toward a lower region, level, or part. In extended usage, it can signify inferiority in rank or value.

Semantic Range

down, downwards, beneath, under, below (in space), at the bottom, in a lower place, inferior in position or status

Root / Etymology

From the preposition κατά ('down, according to') with a locative or comparative suffix. Its formation relates to spatial orientation terminology in Greek. Ultimately, it is connected to the Proto-Indo-European root *kat- (‘down, downward’).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κάτω is used spatially to mean 'downwards, below, underneath,' commonly to denote direction or position with respect to gravity or a referent. In the Hellenistic and New Testament periods, κάτω retains this basic spatial force, often in contrast to ἄνω ('up, above'), marking opposition between upper and lower (e.g., Col 3:1-2: τὰ ἄνω ... τὰ κάτω, ‘the things above ... the things below’). In idiomatic or metaphorical usage, it can denote a position of less honor or status. The Septuagint uses κάτω to translate Hebrew terms for 'beneath' or 'lower,' preserving spatial orientation. In English Bible translations, 'beneath,' 'below,' 'down,' or 'under' are common renderings; however, none capture any metaphorical nuance that might be implied in context. The word does not carry distinctly religious or ethnic implications. Occasionally used with a genitive specifying the object of relation (e.g., 'under the earth').

Translation Consistency

primary "down" 9 occurrences

'Down' is the most natural, frequent English adverb covering physical movement or position to a lower place and extended senses of lower status or inferiority. It matches the primary SILEX sense, is idiomatic in all contexts where κάτω appears, and preserves consistency across forms (preferred over less common alternatives like 'below' or 'beneath').

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(compare κατώτερος); adverb from κατά; downwards:--beneath, bottom, down, under.

Root Family

κάτω (katō) — down, below, beneath

Root κατ- down, below, beneath

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2736-01 κάτω kato ADV down down below down below 9

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2736-01 Matthew 4:6 κάτω kato ADV down down below down below
G2736-01 Matthew 27:51 κάτω kato ADV bottom down below down below
G2736-01 Mark 14:66 κάτω kato ADV below down below down below
G2736-01 Mark 15:38 κάτω kato ADV bottom down below down below
G2736-01 Luke 4:9 κάτω kato ADV down down below down below
G2736-01 John 8:6 κάτω kato ADV down down below down below
G2736-01 John 8:23 κάτω kato ADV beneath down below down below
G2736-01 Acts 2:19 κάτω kato ADV below down below down below
G2736-01 Acts 20:9 κάτω kato ADV down down below down below
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