### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2598 καταβάλλω (katabállō) is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (katá), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb βάλλω (bállō), meaning "to throw" or "to cast." Its core meaning is therefore "to throw down," "to cast down," or "to hurl down." The κατά prefix intensifies the downward motion, often implying a forceful or decisive action.
The semantic range of καταβάλλω extends beyond mere physical action to encompass figurative uses:
1. **Literal:** To physically throw or cast something down, as in felling a tree or knocking something to the ground.
2. **Figurative - To Lay a Foundation:** To "cast down" or "lay" the initial stones or structure for a building, thereby establishing a foundation.
3. **Figurative - To Overthrow/Defeat:** To bring low, to defeat, to conquer, or to cast down from a position of power or authority.
4. **Figurative - To Weaken/Discourage:** To cause someone to be disheartened, dejected, or brought low in spirit, though not utterly destroyed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G2598 καταβάλλω appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct yet related nuance of its core meaning:
1. **[[2 Corinthians 4:9]]**: "persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." Here, καταβάλλω (katabállō) is used in the passive voice, "being cast down." Paul describes the suffering and afflictions endured by apostles for the sake of the gospel. The "casting down" refers to the severe pressures, trials, and persecutions that threaten to overwhelm them. However, the contrast with "not destroyed" (οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι) highlights divine preservation. Believers may be brought low by external forces, but they are not utterly defeated or annihilated. This speaks to the resilience granted by God in the midst of adversity.
2. **[[Hebrews 6:1]]**: "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God." In this context, καταβάλλω (katabállō) is used in the sense of "laying a foundation." The author exhorts his readers to move beyond the basic, foundational truths of Christianity. The imagery is architectural: a foundation is laid once, and then the building proceeds upward. "Laying again a foundation" would imply a regression or a failure to build upon what has already been established. This usage underscores the concept of spiritual progress and maturity, emphasizing that while foundational truths are essential, one must not remain perpetually at the starting point.
3. **[[Revelation 12:10]]**: "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been cast down.'" Here, καταβάλλω (katabállō) describes the decisive defeat and expulsion of Satan, "the accuser." This is a powerful declaration of Christ's victory, particularly his triumph through the cross and resurrection, which effectively disarms and casts down the adversary from his position of accusing God's people. The passive voice ("has been cast down") implies a divine agent in this action, highlighting God's sovereign power over evil. This instance carries significant eschatological and redemptive weight, signifying a definitive shift in the cosmic battle.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G2598 καταβάλλω is enriched by examining its constituent parts and conceptual relatives:
* **κατά (katá)**: As a prefix, κατά frequently denotes downward motion, opposition, completion, or intensity. Its presence in καταβάλλω emphasizes the finality or decisiveness of the "throwing down."
* **βάλλω (bállō)**: The root verb means "to throw," "to cast," "to put." It is a common verb in the New Testament, appearing in various contexts from casting nets to casting out demons. Its combination with κατά specifically directs the action downwards.
* **Conceptual Synonyms/Antonyms:**
* For "casting down" (defeat): καθαιρέω `{{G2507}}` (kathaireō - to take down, demolish), πίπτω `{{G4098}}` (piptō - to fall).
* For "laying a foundation": θεμελιόω `{{G2311}}` (themelióō - to lay a foundation, establish).
* For the opposite of "cast down" (raised up): ἀνίστημι `{{G450}}` (anistēmi - to raise up, cause to stand).
* **Thematic Connections:** The word relates to themes of perseverance in suffering, spiritual warfare, the establishment of foundational truths, and the ultimate victory of God over evil.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καταβάλλω G2598 is profound, touching upon several key doctrines:
1. **Divine Preservation Amidst Suffering:** In [[2 Corinthians 4:9]], καταβάλλω illustrates the reality of severe affliction faced by believers. Yet, the crucial qualification "not destroyed" underscores God's unfailing faithfulness and preserving power. It teaches that while God's servants may be brought low by the world's hostility, they are never abandoned or utterly defeated by Him. This provides comfort and hope, affirming that God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
2. **Spiritual Maturity and Progress:** The use of καταβάλλω in [[Hebrews 6:1]] as "laying a foundation" highlights the progressive nature of the Christian life. It emphasizes the necessity of moving beyond initial conversion experiences and basic doctrines towards deeper understanding and spiritual maturity. The foundation is critical, but it is not the whole building. This challenges believers to pursue growth and not to remain stagnant in their faith.
3. **Christ's Decisive Victory Over Evil:** The most impactful theological use of καταβάλλω is in [[Revelation 12:10]], where Satan is "cast down." This signifies a definitive and irreversible defeat of the accuser of the brethren through the work of Christ, particularly His death and resurrection. It speaks to the triumph of God's kingdom and the authority of His Messiah. This casting down is not merely a setback for Satan but a decisive removal of his power to accuse believers before God. It offers immense assurance to the church, knowing that the ultimate victory over evil has been secured.
### Summary
The Greek word G2598 καταβάλλω (katabállō), meaning "to throw down" or "to cast down," carries significant weight in its New Testament occurrences. From its literal sense of forceful downward motion, it extends to powerful figurative applications. In [[2 Corinthians 4:9]], it describes the experience of being "cast down" by persecution, yet divinely preserved from utter destruction, highlighting God's sustaining grace. In [[Hebrews 6:1]], it refers to "laying a foundation," emphasizing the importance of building upon initial spiritual truths and progressing towards maturity. Most profoundly, in [[Revelation 12:10]], καταβάλλω powerfully depicts the decisive "casting down" of Satan, the accuser, signifying Christ's ultimate and irreversible victory over the forces of evil. Thus, καταβάλλω encapsulates themes of divine preservation in suffering, the necessity of spiritual growth, and the triumphant defeat of the adversary through Christ's redemptive work.
TRV