### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word καθά (G2505), transliterated as *kathá*, is derived from the preposition `{{G2596}}` κατά (meaning "down" or "according to") and the neuter plural of the relative pronoun `{{G3739}}` ὅς (meaning "who" or "which"). Etymologically, it signifies "according to which things."
Its core meaning is "just as" or "even as." As a conjunction or adverb, καθά functions to establish a precise comparison, indicating a manner, measure, or correspondence between two elements. It suggests not merely a general similarity, but an exact alignment or conformity. This word implies that one action, state, or circumstance is precisely congruent with another, serving as a pattern or standard.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While καθά (G2505) itself is relatively infrequent as a standalone word in the New Testament, its primary significance lies in its role as the etymological root for more commonly occurring comparative conjunctions. The meaning of καθά is best understood by examining its compounds, which carry forth its core sense of precise correspondence.
The most prominent compounds are:
* `{{G2509}}` καθάπερ (*katháper*), formed by adding the emphasizing particle περ, meaning "just as," "even as," or "exactly as." This compound is used to draw a strong, emphatic parallel. For instance, in [[Romans 4:6]], Paul writes, "Even **as** David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works." Here, καθάπερ highlights that David's prophetic words perfectly describe the same truth of imputed righteousness. Similarly, [[1 Corinthians 10:10]] warns, "Neither murmur ye, **as** some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer," drawing a direct parallel between the Israelites' sin and a potential pitfall for the Corinthians.
* `{{G2531}}` καθώς (*kathṓs*), formed by adding the particle ὡς (G5613), also meaning "just as" or "according as." This compound is exceedingly common and conveys the same sense of precise correspondence. For example, [[Ephesians 4:32]] exhorts believers to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, **just as** God in Christ forgave you." This establishes God's forgiveness as the exact pattern for human forgiveness.
In contexts where καθά or its compounds appear, the emphasis is consistently on an exact parallel, whether it be for imitation, warning, or establishing a divine principle.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{G2509}}` καθάπερ (*katháper*): "just as," "even as." The most direct and emphatic derivative of καθά.
* `{{G2531}}` καθώς (*kathṓs*): "just as," "according as." Another very common comparative conjunction derived from καθά.
* `{{G2596}}` κατά (*katá*): The prepositional root meaning "down," "according to," "against." It contributes the sense of conformity or alignment.
* `{{G3739}}` ὅς (*hos*): The pronominal root "who," "which," "what," providing the relative aspect.
* `{{G5613}}` ὡς (*hōs*): "as," "like," "how." A particle frequently used in comparisons, and a component of καθώς.
* Concepts: Comparison, analogy, pattern, standard, conformity, imitation, correspondence, divine consistency.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καθά and its compounds is profound, as it often points to divine patterns, standards, and consistency.
1. **Divine Standard and Imitation:** The "just as" clauses frequently establish God's character or Christ's actions as the ultimate pattern for human conduct. Believers are called to love, forgive, and live "just as" God or Christ has done ([[Ephesians 4:32]], [[Ephesians 5:25]]). This underscores the call to Christlikeness and moral conformity to a divine ideal.
2. **God's Faithfulness and Consistency:** When used in relation to God's actions, καθά emphasizes His unwavering faithfulness. God acts "just as" He has promised or "just as" He has revealed Himself to be. This reinforces the reliability of His word and character.
3. **Judicial Correspondence:** In passages dealing with judgment or consequences, καθά can highlight the principle of correspondence: actions receive consequences "just as" they were committed. [[Romans 1:28]] (using `{{G2531}}` καθώς) illustrates this, showing that because humanity "did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind."
4. **Theological Analogy and Understanding:** The comparative nature of καθά allows biblical authors to explain complex theological truths by drawing parallels to more familiar concepts or historical events. This helps readers grasp divine realities through analogy, such as understanding spiritual realities "just as" physical ones.
### Summary
καθά (G2505) is a Greek word fundamentally meaning "just as" or "according to which things," denoting precise correspondence or comparison. While rarely appearing independently in the New Testament, its core semantic range is powerfully conveyed through its more common compounds, `{{G2509}}` καθάπερ and `{{G2531}}` καθώς. These compounds serve to establish exact parallels, indicating a standard, pattern, or direct analogy. Theologically, καθά and its derivatives are crucial for understanding the divine call to imitate God's character and Christ's actions, God's unwavering faithfulness, the principle of judicial correspondence, and the use of analogy to illuminate spiritual truths. It consistently emphasizes conformity and precision in the biblical narrative.
TRV