from κατά and δέω; to tie down, i.e. bandage (a wound):--bind up.
Transliteration:katadéō
Pronunciation:kat-ad-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2611 καταδέω (katadéō) is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down" or often intensifying the action, and the verb δέω (deō) `{{G1210}}`, meaning "to bind" or "to tie." The combination thus literally signifies "to bind down" or "to bind thoroughly." While the root δέω has a broad semantic range, encompassing concepts from literal physical restraint (e.g., binding chains) to spiritual authority (e.g., binding and loosing), the prefix κατά in G2611 narrows and intensifies its application. The specific definition provided, "to tie down, i.e. bandage (a wound)," highlights its specialized use in the context of remedial care. This indicates a deliberate, careful act of securing something for the purpose of healing or protection, rather than for imprisonment or restriction. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow, focusing on compassionate, restorative binding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G2611 καταδέω appears only once in the New Testament, but its single occurrence is highly significant, embedding it within one of Jesus' most profound parables:
* **[[Luke 10:34]]**: "And he went to him and katadéō his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him."
* **Context**: This verse is part of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. A man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is attacked by robbers, stripped, beaten, and left for dead. Both a priest and a Levite pass by, avoiding the injured man. It is the Samaritan, traditionally an enemy of the Jews, who stops to render aid.
* **Analysis**: The act of katadéō is presented as the immediate and practical response of the Samaritan to the man's dire physical state. He "bound up" the wounds, implying a careful, deliberate, and practical application of first aid. The accompanying actions—pouring on oil (for soothing and cleansing) and wine (for antiseptic properties)—further underscore the compassionate and medically informed nature of his care. This is not a casual gesture but a committed intervention that addresses the immediate physical suffering of the victim. The use of katadéō here powerfully communicates active, self-sacrificial love that translates into tangible, physical service.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δέω (deō) `{{G1210}}`**: The root verb, broadly meaning "to bind," "to tie." While δέω can refer to binding in a punitive or restrictive sense (e.g., binding prisoners), καταδέω specifically denotes binding for restorative purposes.
* **κατά (kata) `{{G2596}}`**: The preposition "down" or "against," which here intensifies the action of binding, suggesting thoroughness or firmness in the application of the bandage.
* **Compassion (σπλαγχνίζομαι - splanchnizomai `{{G4697}}` / ἔλεος - eleos `{{G1656}}`)**: The Samaritan's actions are explicitly driven by compassion (Luke 10:33, "moved with compassion"). The act of katadéō is a tangible manifestation of this inner feeling.
* **Healing/Care (θεραπεύω - therapeuō `{{G2323}}`)**: The binding of wounds is a step towards physical healing and is part of a broader act of care for the injured.
* **Neighborly Love (ἀγάπη - agape `{{G26}}`)**: The entire parable, centered on the question "Who is my neighbor?", defines true neighborly love not by proximity or shared identity, but by active, selfless service, of which katadéō is a prime example.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G2611 καταδέω in the New Testament carries profound theological weight, primarily due to its placement in the Parable of the Good Samaritan:
* **Embodiment of Practical Love**: Katadéō serves as a powerful illustration of the practical outworking of Christian love. It moves beyond abstract sentiment or mere words to concrete, physical action in response to suffering. The Samaritan's act of binding the wounds is a costly and inconvenient demonstration of love for a stranger, embodying the second great commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" ([[Matthew 22:39]]).
* **Christ's Ministry of Compassion**: While the Samaritan is a character in a parable, his actions reflect the compassionate heart of Christ Himself. Jesus' earthly ministry was characterized by constant engagement with the suffering, the sick, and the marginalized, often involving physical touch and healing. The act of katadéō mirrors the Lord's own tender care for humanity's wounds.
* **The Church's Call to Service**: The parable, and specifically the Samaritan's act of katadéō, establishes a foundational ethic for believers and the Church. It calls Christians to be active agents of mercy and healing in a broken world, addressing not only spiritual needs but also tangible physical and social wounds. The Church is to be a community that "binds up" the hurts of humanity, offering practical aid, comfort, and restoration.
* **Holistic Care**: The focus on binding physical wounds highlights the biblical emphasis on the holistic nature of human beings. God cares for the body as well as the soul. True compassion, therefore, ministers to the whole person, recognizing the dignity and value of physical well-being alongside spiritual health.
### Summary
G2611 καταδέω (katadéō) is a Greek verb meaning "to bind up" or "to bandage," formed from κατά (down) and δέω (to bind). Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[Luke 10:34]] is exceptionally significant, describing the Good Samaritan's compassionate act of binding the wounds of the man left for dead. This specific usage denotes a remedial, caring, and practical application of binding, distinct from other uses of the root verb δέω. Theologically, katadéō powerfully illustrates the active, self-sacrificial love commanded by Christ, demonstrating that genuine faith expresses itself through tangible acts of compassion and service to those in need. It underscores the Christian call to provide holistic care, addressing both the physical and spiritual wounds of humanity, mirroring the merciful heart of God.
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