### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kathíēmi**, represented by `{{G2524}}`, means **to lower** or **let down**. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is formed from κατά and (to send), and it consistently describes the literal action of lowering an object or person from a higher elevation to a lower one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical uses, `{{G2524}}` depicts critical moments of intervention and access. In a demonstration of faith, a group of men who could not get to Jesus because of a crowd went up on a **housetop** `{{G1430}}` and **let** a paralytic man **down** on his **couch** `{{G2826}}` through the roof tiles [[Luke 5:19]]. The word is also used to describe the escape of Paul, when **disciples** `{{G3101}}` took him by **night** `{{G3571}}` and **let him down** over the **wall** `{{G5038}}` in a **basket** `{{G4711}}` [[Acts 9:25]]. In Peter's vision, a great **sheet** `{{G3607}}` is **let down** from **heaven** `{{G3772}}` to the **earth** `{{G1093}}`, an event he recounts in two separate accounts ([[Acts 10:11]], [[Acts 11:5]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the action of lowering:
* `{{G2597}}` **katabaínō** (to descend): This word is closely related, describing the general act of coming or going down. In Peter's vision, the vessel is described as **descending** `{{G2597}}` before it is **let down** `{{G2524}}` from heaven [[Acts 10:11]].
* `{{G5465}}` **chaláō** (to lower): Used in conjunction with `{{G2524}}` in the account of Paul's escape, this term also means to **let down** or lower [[Acts 9:25]]. It is also used when Simon Peter agrees to **let down** the nets at Jesus' command [[Luke 5:5]].
* `{{G305}}` **anabaínō** (to go up): As the direct antonym, this word provides contrast. Before the men could let the paralytic down to Jesus, they first had to **go up** `{{G305}}` on the housetop [[Luke 5:19]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G2524}}` highlights several significant themes:
* **Faith Overcoming Barriers:** The act of letting a man down through a roof demonstrates a faith that circumvents physical and social obstacles to bring someone into the presence of **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` for healing [[Luke 5:19]].
* **Divine Revelation:** In the accounts in Acts, the object being let down originates from **heaven** `{{G3772}}`, signifying a message or truth being revealed from God to humanity. The sheet let down before Peter was a **vision** `{{G3705}}` that came to him while he was praying [[Acts 11:5]].
* **Providential Escape:** The lowering of Paul by the disciples is an act of deliverance. It shows believers taking decisive action to preserve a life for the sake of the gospel, escaping danger by being let down from the city **wall** `{{G5038}}` [[Acts 9:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2524}}` is a specific verb of action that carries significant weight in its contexts. Whether used to describe an act of desperate faith to reach Jesus, a means of divine deliverance from persecution, or a mechanism for heavenly revelation, the word **kathíēmi** illustrates how the physical act of lowering something can represent a powerful spiritual reality. It is a bridge between a higher position and a lower one, both literally and thematically.
TRV