### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κατάβασις (katábasis, `{{G2600}}`) is derived directly from the verb καταβαίνω (katabainō, `{{G2597}}`), which signifies "to go down," "to descend," or "to come down." Consequently, κατάβασις inherently carries the meaning of "a descent," "a going down," or "a downward slope." Its base definition as a "declivity" emphasizes the physical aspect of a downward incline or path. It can refer both to the act of descending and to the physical location or feature that constitutes a descent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κατάβασις appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Luke 19:37]]. The verse describes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem: "As he was drawing near—already on the way down from the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen."
The phrase in question is "τῇ καταβάσει τοῦ ὄρους τῶν Ἐλαιῶν" (tē katabasei tou orous tōn Elaiōn), which is accurately translated as "the descent of the Mount of Olives." In this context, κατάβασις functions as a precise geographical descriptor, pinpointing the physical location where Jesus and His disciples were as they approached Jerusalem. It marks the precise point where the downward slope from the Mount of Olives begins, leading directly into the city. The usage here is strictly literal, denoting a physical topographical feature, and does not carry an overt metaphorical or theological meaning within this specific verse.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root verb καταβαίνω (katabainō, `{{G2597}}`), which means "to go down" or "to descend." This verb is extensively used throughout the New Testament in various contexts, ranging from the literal descent of individuals or objects to the metaphorical descent of divine beings (e.g., the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Christ from heaven).
Its antonym, ἀναβαίνω (anabainō, `{{G305}}`), meaning "to go up" or "to ascend," also highlights the directional nature implied by κατάβασις.
While not directly etymologically related, other words describing paths or journeys, such as ὁδός (hodos, `{{G3598}}`) for "road" or "way," can be conceptually linked, as κατάβασις describes a specific segment or type of path. Geographical terms like ὄρος (oros, `{{G3735}}`) for "mountain" or "hill" are also naturally associated, as κατάβασις often describes a feature of mountainous or hilly terrain.
### Theological Significance
Although κατάβασις in [[Luke 19:37]] is employed in a purely literal, geographical sense, the underlying concept of "descent" (as embodied by its root verb `{{G2597}}`) holds profound theological significance within the broader biblical narrative. The "descent" of Christ, often referred to as His *kenosis* or self-emptying (cf. [[Philippians 2:7-8]]), is a central tenet of Christian theology. This includes His descent from heavenly glory to assume human form (the Incarnation), His descent into suffering and death on the cross, and even the traditional understanding of His descent into Hades (cf. [[Ephesians 4:9]], [[1 Peter 3:19]]).
In [[Luke 19:37]], the physical "descent of the Mount of Olives" marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' earthly ministry. It signifies the commencement of His final journey into Jerusalem, directly preceding the events of Passion Week—His ultimate "descent" into human suffering, sacrifice, and death for the redemption of humanity. Thus, while the word itself is geographically specific, it points to a physical movement that sets the stage for the most significant theological "descents" in salvation history, symbolizing the beginning of the path that leads to profound divine condescension and ultimate triumph.
### Summary
κατάβασις (katábasis, `{{G2600}}`) denotes a "descent" or "declivity," stemming from the verb καταβαίνω (katabainō, `{{G2597}}`) meaning "to go down." Its singular New Testament appearance in [[Luke 19:37]] describes the literal "descent of the Mount of Olives," serving as a precise geographical marker during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. While its usage in this verse is strictly literal, the broader concept of "descent" is deeply embedded in biblical theology, particularly in understanding the self-humbling and redemptive work of Christ—His descent from heaven to earth, into suffering, and into death. Therefore, though κατάβασις itself is a rare and literal term, its contextual placement in [[Luke 19:37]] symbolically marks the physical beginning of Jesus' final journey, which would encompass the most profound theological "descents" for the salvation of humankind.
TRV