from καταβάλλω; a deposition, i.e. founding; figuratively, conception:--conceive, foundation.
Transliteration:katabolḗ
Pronunciation:kat-ab-ol-ay'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun καταβολή (katabolḗ, `{{G2602}}`) is derived from the verb καταβάλλω (kataballō, `{{G2598}}`), which literally means "to cast down" or "to throw down." From this foundational sense, καταβολή develops two primary semantic ranges in the New Testament:
1. **Founding or Laying a Foundation:** This is the predominant usage, referring to the act of "laying down" or "depositing" the initial elements of a structure. Metaphorically, it signifies the beginning or establishment of something, most notably the world itself. This meaning emphasizes the deliberate and purposeful act of initiation.
2. **Conception:** In a singular biological context, it refers to the "depositing of seed" for the purpose of conception. This sense retains the literal idea of "casting down" or "depositing."
While the root verb καταβάλλω can also mean "to overthrow," καταβολή itself does not carry this negative connotation in its biblical occurrences. Its usage is consistently tied to acts of establishment or initiation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term καταβολή appears 11 times in the New Testament, with its most significant theological usage occurring in the phrase "from the foundation of the world" (ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου).
* **"From the Foundation of the World" (ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου):** This phrase profoundly emphasizes God's eternal plan and pre-existent purposes.
* [[Matthew 13:35]]: Jesus speaks of "things hidden from the foundation of the world," indicating an eternal divine wisdom and revelation.
* [[Matthew 25:34]]: The "kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" highlights the eternal decree of God concerning His eschatological reign and the inheritance of the righteous.
* [[Luke 11:50]]: The blood of prophets shed "from the foundation of the world" underscores humanity's consistent rebellion against God's messengers throughout history, implying a long-standing pattern of sin.
* [[Ephesians 1:4]]: Believers are said to have been "chosen in Him before the foundation of the world," pointing to God's sovereign election and predestination of His people in eternity past. This verse is foundational for understanding divine grace and purpose.
* [[Hebrews 4:3]]: God's works were "finished from the foundation of the world," asserting the completeness of creation and God's rest, which serves as a theological backdrop for the Sabbath rest offered to believers.
* [[Hebrews 9:26]]: Christ's singular sacrifice is emphasized by stating that He would have had to suffer repeatedly "since the foundation of the world" if His one offering were not eternally sufficient. This highlights the unique and decisive nature of His atonement.
* [[1 Peter 1:20]]: Christ was "foreknown before the foundation of the world," affirming His pre-existence and His pre-ordained role in God's redemptive plan.
* [[Revelation 13:8]]: Refers to those "whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world," indicating that the Lamb's sacrifice was eternally purposed and that the elect were known to God from eternity.
* [[Revelation 17:8]]: Similar to [[Revelation 13:8]], it speaks of those "whose names have not been written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world," reinforcing the concept of an eternal register of the redeemed.
* **Conception:**
* [[Hebrews 11:11]]: "By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive (εἰς καταβολὴν σπέρματος), even when she was past the age." Here, καταβολή is used literally to describe the "depositing of seed" leading to conception, highlighting God's power to enable life even against natural impossibility.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Verbal Root:** The verb καταβάλλω (kataballō, `{{G2598}}`) is the direct etymological root, meaning "to cast down," "to lay a foundation," or "to overthrow." While the verb can carry a negative sense of overthrowing (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 10:4]]), the noun καταβολή in the NT is almost exclusively positive or neutral in its "founding" or "conception" contexts.
* **Foundation (General):** The most common Greek word for "foundation" in a literal architectural sense is θεμέλιος (themelios, `{{G2310}}`), which is often used for Christ as the foundation of the church ([[1 Corinthians 3:11]]). While καταβολή refers to the *act* of founding, θεμέλιος refers to the *result* or the *foundation itself*.
* **Divine Decree/Plan:** The concept of an eternal plan or purpose of God is intrinsically linked to καταβολή, especially in the phrase "from the foundation of the world." This relates to other concepts such as:
* **Predestination/Election:** God's sovereign choice of individuals for salvation before creation ([[Ephesians 1:4]]).
* **Foreknowledge:** God's prior knowledge of events and individuals ([[1 Peter 1:20]]).
* **Eternal Counsel:** The unchangeable will and wisdom of God established in eternity.
* **Creation:** While καταβολή is not a direct word for creation, its usage in "foundation of the world" implicitly points to God as the ultimate Creator and architect of the cosmos.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καταβολή is profound, primarily due to its association with the phrase "from the foundation of the world."
1. **God's Eternal Sovereignty and Purpose:** The repeated use of "from the foundation of the world" underscores that God's plan for salvation, His kingdom, and the role of Christ were not reactive but were eternally purposed and established. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty, foreknowledge, and meticulous planning before the inception of time and creation itself.
2. **Christocentricity of God's Plan:** The word reveals that Jesus Christ is central to this eternal blueprint. He was "foreknown before the foundation of the world" ([[1 Peter 1:20]]), and the Lamb was "slain from the foundation of the world" ([[Revelation 13:8]]). This emphasizes the pre-existence of Christ and the eternal efficacy of His atoning work, which was always part of the divine economy.
3. **Security and Assurance for Believers:** The concept of being "chosen in Him before the foundation of the world" ([[Ephesians 1:4]]) provides immense comfort and assurance. It speaks to the unshakeable nature of God's love and grace, grounding the believer's salvation in God's unchangeable, eternal decree rather than in human merit or temporal circumstances.
4. **The Uniqueness of Christ's Sacrifice:** [[Hebrews 9:26]] powerfully articulates the once-for-all nature of Christ's sacrifice. If it were not eternally sufficient, He would have had to suffer repeatedly since the world's beginning, highlighting the infinite value and finality of His atonement.
5. **God's Power over Nature:** The singular usage in [[Hebrews 11:11]] regarding Sarah's conception demonstrates God's power to intervene in and transcend natural limitations, fulfilling His promises through miraculous means.
### Summary
The Greek word καταβολή (katabolḗ, `{{G2602}}`) primarily signifies "foundation" or "establishment," most notably in the New Testament phrase "from the foundation of the world." This usage profoundly reveals God's eternal purpose, His sovereign foreknowledge, and the pre-ordained centrality of Jesus Christ in His redemptive plan. It underscores that God's election of believers, the preparation of His kingdom, and the sacrifice of the Lamb were all conceived and established in eternity past, before creation itself. A secondary, distinct meaning of καταβολή is "conception," illustrating God's power to initiate life even against natural odds. In sum, καταβολή speaks to the divine intentionality, timelessness, and immutability behind all of God's works in creation and salvation.
TRV