from κατά and a derivative of κρημνός; to precipitate down:--cast down headlong.
Transliteration:katakrēmnízō
Pronunciation:kat-ak-rame-nid'-zo
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2630}}` (κατακρημνίζω, *katakrēmnízō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (*kata*), meaning "down" or "against," and a derivative of the noun κρημνός (*kremnos*, `{{G2914}}`), which refers to a steep bank, precipice, or cliff. The combination yields a precise and vivid meaning: "to cast down headlong from a precipice," "to throw down a cliff," or "to precipitate down." The prefix κατά intensifies the action, emphasizing the downward motion and the finality of the fall. The core semantic range thus encompasses the act of violent expulsion from a height, implying a potentially fatal and decisive act of rejection or judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G2630}}` appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is profoundly impactful and illustrative of its core meaning.
* **[[Luke 4:29]]**: "And they rose up and drove him out of the city and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff."
This passage describes the intense hostility Jesus faced in His hometown of Nazareth. After Jesus' teaching in the synagogue, where He declared Himself the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy ([[Luke 4:18-19]]), the people were initially amazed but then filled with wrath when He challenged their expectations and implied that God's favor was not limited to Israel ([[Luke 4:23-28]]). Their anger escalated to a murderous intent, as they sought to physically κατακρημνίζω Him – to hurl Him headlong off the precipice overlooking the city. The use of this specific verb highlights the extreme violence and definitive nature of their attempted execution, aiming for a swift and public demise. Jesus' miraculous escape, by passing through their midst ([[Luke 4:30]]), underscores His divine authority and sovereignty over human malice.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{G2630}}` is enhanced by considering related terms that share components or semantic fields:
* κρημνός (`{{G2914}}`): The noun from which `{{G2630}}` is derived, directly meaning "a steep bank, cliff, precipice." Its presence in the verb emphasizes the specific *location* and *manner* of the casting down.
* καταβάλλω (`{{G2598}}`): A more general verb meaning "to cast down," "to throw down." While it shares the κατά prefix, it lacks the specific connotation of a cliff or precipice found in `{{G2630}}`.
* ρίπτω (`{{G4496}}`): To throw, cast, or hurl. This verb denotes the general act of throwing, but `{{G2630}}` specifies the *direction* (down) and the *target* (from a cliff).
* ἐκβάλλω (`{{G1544}}`): To cast out, drive out. This verb often describes expulsion, but `{{G2630}}` describes a specific, violent form of expulsion leading to potential death.
The specificity of `{{G2630}}` sets it apart, focusing on the unique and violent act of precipitating someone from a height.
### Theological Significance
The single use of `{{G2630}}` in [[Luke 4:29]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **Early Revelation of Hostility**: This incident marks one of the earliest and most dramatic manifestations of the intense opposition Jesus would face throughout His ministry. It reveals the depth of human rejection and murderous intent against God's Messiah, even from His own townspeople. The desire to κατακρημνίζω Jesus signifies a complete and utter repudiation of His message and His person.
2. **Divine Sovereignty**: Jesus' miraculous escape ([[Luke 4:30]]) is a powerful demonstration of His divine power and sovereignty over human will. He was not to die by being thrown off a cliff, but according to God's predetermined plan of crucifixion. This event underscores that no human plot could thwart God's redemptive purpose for His Son.
3. **Foreshadowing of Rejection**: While the method of attempted execution was different, the intent to kill Jesus by casting Him down from a height foreshadows the ultimate rejection and crucifixion He would endure. It highlights the persistent human inclination to silence and eliminate the divine truth-teller.
4. **The Nature of Unbelief**: The swift transition from initial wonder to murderous rage in Nazareth illustrates the perilous nature of unbelief and hardened hearts. When confronted with truth that challenges their preconceived notions, some respond with violent rejection rather than humble acceptance.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2630}}` (κατακρημνίζω, *katakrēmnízō*) precisely describes the act of casting someone down headlong from a precipice or cliff. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, its usage in [[Luke 4:29]] is highly significant. It vividly portrays the extreme hostility Jesus encountered in Nazareth, where His own townspeople, filled with rage, attempted to violently execute Him by throwing Him off a cliff. This singular occurrence serves as a powerful testament to the early and intense opposition Jesus faced, while simultaneously highlighting His divine sovereignty in miraculously escaping their murderous intent. The word underscores the severe nature of human rejection of divine truth and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make according to God's sovereign plan.
TRV