### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καθίημι (kathíēmi), Strong's number `{{G2524}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb ἵημι (hiemi), meaning "to send," "to throw," or "to let go." This etymological composition precisely defines its core semantic range: "to let down," "to lower," or "to send down." It describes a deliberate action of causing something or someone to descend from a higher position to a lower one. The term carries no inherent moral or theological connotation; its meaning is primarily literal and directional, focusing on the act of downward motion or placement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb καθίημι appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the book of Acts, and in contexts that underscore its literal meaning of lowering or letting down.
1. **[[Acts 9:25]]**: Following Saul's conversion and initial bold preaching in Damascus, certain Jews conspired to kill him. The disciples, recognizing the danger, took him by night and "let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket." Here, καθίημι describes the physical act of lowering Saul in a basket from the city wall, facilitating his escape. The context highlights a moment of vulnerability and divine protection for the nascent apostle, as he is literally brought low to be preserved for his future mission. The action is one of urgent necessity and careful execution by his companions.
2. **[[Acts 27:30]]**: During Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome, as the ship faced extreme danger, the sailors attempted to abandon the ship. Luke records that "the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had let down the ship’s boat into the sea, pretending that they were going to lay out anchors from the bow." In this instance, καθίημι refers to the act of lowering the ship's small boat (likely a life raft or skiff) into the water. This action was deceptive, an an attempt by the sailors to save themselves rather than remain with the passengers and the main vessel. The verb here describes a practical, yet morally compromised, action within a narrative dominated by divine intervention and human desperation.
In both occurrences, καθίημι denotes a purposeful, physical act of lowering, whether a person for escape or a boat for a deceptive purpose. The contexts are rich with tension, danger, and the unfolding of God's plan amidst human actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of καθίημι includes several related Greek terms that also denote downward motion or placement, often with distinct nuances.
* **κατά (kata)**: The prefix itself, `{{G2596}}`, is foundational, signifying "down," "against," or "according to." It is ubiquitous in compound verbs indicating descent or completion.
* **ἵημι (hiemi)**: While not directly found in the New Testament in its simple form, the base verb for "to send," "to let go," or "to throw" is crucial for understanding καθίημι. Other compounds like ἀφίημι (aphiemi, to send away, forgive) and ἐφίημι (ephiemi, to permit) demonstrate the versatility of the root.
* **καταβαίνω (katabainō)**: Meaning "to go down" or "to descend" (`{{G2597}}`), this verb is a more general term for downward movement, often used for people descending a mountain or from heaven. Unlike καθίημι, it doesn't necessarily imply an external agent performing the lowering.
* **καταπίπτω (katapiptō)**: "To fall down" (`{{G2602}}`), often implying an uncontrolled or accidental descent, or a prostration.
* **καταλύω (katalyō)**: "To throw down," "to demolish," "to lodge" (`{{G2647}}`). While it can mean to throw down, its primary New Testament uses relate to lodging or destroying.
The distinctiveness of καθίημι lies in its emphasis on a deliberate act of *letting down* by an external agent, often involving a controlled descent rather than a mere falling or general going down.
### Theological Significance
While καθίημι is a relatively rare and semantically straightforward verb, its two occurrences in Acts are deeply embedded in narratives that carry significant theological weight.
In [[Acts 9:25]], the act of lowering Paul in a basket is an instance of divine preservation. God uses human agents and humble means to protect His chosen instrument, Paul, from imminent danger. This seemingly undignified escape foreshadows Paul's future ministry, which would often involve weakness, persecution, and reliance on God's strength (cf. [[2 Corinthians 11:33]], where Paul himself recounts this event, linking it to his experiences of weakness). The "letting down" here is a necessary step for God's purposes to be fulfilled, demonstrating that God's providence operates even through seemingly mundane or ignominious acts. It speaks to the theme of God's care for His servants and the unexpected ways He delivers them.
In [[Acts 27:30]], the "letting down" of the ship's boat by the sailors highlights a contrast between human deceit and divine faithfulness. The sailors' attempt to escape through a deceptive lowering action is thwarted by Paul's discernment and God's overarching plan for the safety of all on board. This incident underscores the tension between human self-preservation instincts and the divine promise of deliverance. It subtly points to the futility of human schemes when they run counter to God's sovereign will, a theme prevalent throughout the book of Acts.
Thus, καθίημι, though describing a simple physical action, serves to illuminate aspects of divine providence, human vulnerability, and the interplay between human agency and God's overarching plan in the unfolding narrative of salvation history.
### Summary
The Greek verb καθίημι (kathíēmi), Strong's number `{{G2524}}`, fundamentally means "to let down," "to lower," or "to send down," reflecting its etymology from κατά (down) and ἵημι (to send). Its two occurrences in the New Testament, both in the book of Acts, vividly illustrate this literal meaning. In [[Acts 9:25]], it describes the critical act of lowering Paul in a basket for his escape from Damascus, a moment of divine preservation. In [[Acts 27:30]], it refers to the sailors' deceptive act of lowering a ship's boat for their own attempted escape, contrasting with God's ultimate control over the voyage. While a straightforward verb describing physical descent, its biblical contexts imbue it with theological significance, highlighting themes of divine protection, human vulnerability, and the intricate relationship between human actions and God's sovereign plan.
TRV