from κατά and ἥκω; to reach to, i.e. (neuter of present active participle, figuratively as adjective) becoming:-- convenient, fit.
Transliteration:kathḗkō
Pronunciation:kath-ay'-ko
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term *kathḗkō* (καθήκω, `{{G2520}}`) is derived from the preposition *katá* (κατά), meaning "down" or "according to," and the verb *hḗkō* (ἥκω), meaning "to have come" or "to reach." Literally, it signifies "to reach down to" or "to arrive at." However, in its New Testament usage, it appears in the neuter present active participle form (*kathēkon*), functioning adjectivally to convey a figurative sense. In this context, *kathḗkō* means "that which is fitting," "proper," "suitable," "appropriate," or "becoming." It speaks to an inherent sense of moral or social decorum and what is rightly expected or required. The English translations "convenient" and "fit" capture this nuance of appropriateness and suitability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*kathḗkō* (καθήκω, `{{G2520}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its single occurrence is highly significant, embedded within a foundational theological discourse:
* **[[Romans 1:28]]:** "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done [τὰ μὴ καθήκοντα]."
* In this verse, the phrase "τὰ μὴ καθήκοντα" (*ta mē kathēkonta*) is the neuter plural of the participle, negated by *mē* (μὴ). It translates literally as "the things not fitting" or "the things not proper."
* **Context:** Paul is describing the tragic trajectory of humanity's rebellion against God. Having suppressed the truth about God and exchanged His glory for idolatry, humanity is consequently "given up" by God to a "debased mind" (ἀδόκιμον νοῦν, *adokimon noun*). This debased mind is characterized precisely by its inability to discern or perform "what ought not to be done"—that is, actions that are inherently unfitting for human beings. The subsequent list of vices in [[Romans 1:29-31]] (e.g., unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice) exemplifies these "unfitting" behaviors. The use of *kathḗkō* here underscores that these actions are not merely wrong, but fundamentally incongruous with the created order and God's design for humanity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Words of Propriety and Suitability:**
* `{{G433}}` (*anēkō*): Also meaning "to be fitting" or "proper," often used in contexts of what is appropriate for believers, as seen in [[Ephesians 5:4]] and [[Colossians 3:18]].
* `{{G2110}}` (*euprepēs*): Signifying "well-fitting," "becoming," or "decorous," used in [[Titus 2:1]] to describe sound doctrine that is "fitting" for godliness.
* `{{G2570}}` (*kalos*): A broader term meaning "good," "beautiful," or "noble," but often encompassing what is morally excellent and appropriate in a given situation.
* **Concepts:**
* **Decorum and Propriety:** The underlying idea that certain actions, attitudes, or words are appropriate or inappropriate within a specific context, especially concerning one's identity or role (e.g., as a human being created in God's image, or as a follower of Christ).
* **Moral Standard:** The use of *kathḗkō* implies the existence of an objective standard of what is right and becoming, not merely subjective preference. In [[Romans 1]], this standard is intrinsically linked to God's character, His created order, and His righteous will.
* **Natural Law/Conscience:** The passage in [[Romans 1]] suggests an inherent, even if suppressed, understanding of what is proper for humanity, implying a form of natural law or the function of conscience that testifies to what "ought to be done."
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of *kathḗkō* in [[Romans 1:28]] carries profound theological weight, illuminating key aspects of sin and divine judgment:
* **The Nature of Sin as Unnatural:** Sin is portrayed not merely as a breaking of rules, but as a deviation from what is *fitting* or *proper* for humanity. It represents an unnatural state, a distortion of the created order and God's original design. When humanity deliberately suppresses the truth about God, it fundamentally compromises its ability to discern and engage in behaviors that are inherently appropriate for its nature.
* **God's Established Standard:** The word underscores that there is an ultimate, divine standard of conduct and thought. God, as Creator, has established what is "fitting" for His creation. The "unfitting" actions listed by Paul are those that contradict God's holy nature and His perfect design for human flourishing.
* **Consequences of Rejecting God:** The inability to do "what ought to be done" is presented as a direct, tragic consequence of humanity's refusal to acknowledge and honor God. When humanity rejects its Creator, it loses its moral compass and is given over to a "debased mind" that cannot distinguish between proper and improper actions. This highlights the foundational truth that genuine human flourishing, ethical behavior, and moral discernment are inextricably linked to a right relationship with and acknowledgment of God.
### Summary
*kathḗkō* (καθήκω, `{{G2520}}`), though appearing only once in the New Testament, is a significant term. Derived from "to reach to," its primary New Testament meaning is "that which is fitting," "proper," or "becoming." In [[Romans 1:28]], it is used in the negative, "τὰ μὴ καθήκοντα" (ta mē kathēkonta), to describe actions that are "unfitting" or "ought not to be done" by humanity. This usage is crucial for understanding Paul's depiction of humanity's moral degradation subsequent to its rejection of God. The word emphasizes that sin is not merely a transgression but a profound departure from a divinely established standard of propriety and order. It underscores that when humanity suppresses the truth about God, it forfeits its capacity for moral discernment, leading to behaviors that are inherently incongruous with its created purpose and nature. Thus, *kathḗkō* powerfully conveys that true human flourishing and ethical conduct are fundamentally dependent upon the acknowledgment and worship of God, who alone defines what is truly "fitting" for His creation.
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