from κατά and λέγω (in its original meaning); to lay down, i.e. (figuratively) to enrol:--take into the number.
Transliteration:katalégō
Pronunciation:kat-al-eg'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb katalégō (`{{G2639}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down" or "according to," and the verb λέγω (legō) in its original, older sense of "to lay" or "to lay down." This etymological foundation suggests an action of "laying down" or "counting down," which then developed into its primary figurative meaning: "to enrol," "to register," or "to take into the number." The core idea is one of formal inclusion or inscription into a specific list, group, or category, implying a deliberate and often official act of selection and recording. It denotes more than a casual presence; it signifies a recognized and accounted status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb katalégō (`{{G2639}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[1 Timothy 5:9]].
* **[[1 Timothy 5:9]]**: "Let a widow be *taken into the number* (καταλεγέσθω) having been not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man."
In this passage, Paul is giving instructions to Timothy regarding the care of widows within the church. The phrase "taken into the number" refers to a formal enrollment process for widows who would receive ongoing support from the community. This was not an indiscriminate provision but a selective one, as indicated by the stringent qualifications that follow ([[1 Timothy 5:9-10]]): a minimum age of sixty, having been the wife of one man, and a reputation for good works (e.g., raising children, showing hospitality, washing the saints' feet, assisting the afflicted, devoting herself to every good work). The use of katalégō here emphasizes the structured and orderly approach of the early church in its benevolent activities, ensuring that resources were directed responsibly and that those supported were indeed worthy and exemplary members of the community, likely also serving in roles of prayer and spiritual example.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **λέγω (legō) `{{G3004}}`**: While katalégō incorporates λέγω in its archaic sense of "to lay," it is crucial to distinguish it from the more common New Testament meaning of λέγω, which is "to speak" or "to say." The latter meaning is not present in katalégō.
* **ἀπογράφω (apographō) `{{G582}}`**: This verb means "to write off," "to register," or "to enroll," often in the context of a census (e.g., [[Luke 2:1]], [[Luke 2:5]]). While similar in the outcome of enrollment, katalégō in [[1 Timothy 5:9]] implies a more specific, qualified, and perhaps limited enrollment for a particular purpose within the church, rather than a general civic registration.
* **ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai) `{{G1586}}`**: Meaning "to pick out," "choose," or "select," this verb describes the act of choosing. katalégō describes the result of such a choice – being formally placed *into* a list or number.
* **γράφω (graphō) `{{G1125}}`**: "To write." The act of enrolling (katalégō) inherently involves the physical act of writing down names or details, thus γράφω represents the broader action related to formal registration.
* **"List" or "Number"**: The core concept conveyed by katalégō revolves around being part of a recognized "list" or "number." This highlights the organized nature of the early church, where specific roles, statuses, and beneficiaries were formally acknowledged and recorded.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of katalégō in the New Testament, within the context of [[1 Timothy 5:9]], carries significant theological implications for the nature and function of the church:
* **Order and Prudence in Church Administration**: The use of katalégō underscores the importance of order, discernment, and responsible stewardship within the early Christian community. Benevolence was not dispensed indiscriminately but was part of a structured system that ensured accountability and proper use of resources. This reflects the biblical principle that God is a God of order, not confusion ([[1 Corinthians 14:33]]).
* **Qualifications for Support and Ministry**: The criteria for being "taken into the number" (age, marital history, reputation for good works) emphasize that certain moral and spiritual qualifications were considered essential for those who would receive ongoing church support. This suggests that such individuals were not merely recipients of charity but were also expected to live exemplary lives, potentially serving as spiritual examples or intercessors within the community. It highlights that the church's care was intertwined with the character and faithfulness of its members.
* **The Church as a Structured Body**: The very act of formal enrollment implies that the church was not a loose collection of individuals but an organized body with defined roles, responsibilities, and systems of care. This structured approach to community life reflects a practical outworking of the theological reality of the church as the body of Christ, where each part has a function and contributes to the whole.
### Summary
The Greek verb katalégō (`{{G2639}}`), meaning "to enrol" or "to take into the number," signifies a deliberate and formal act of inclusion. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[1 Timothy 5:9]] is highly instructive, referring to the formal registration of qualified widows for church support. This usage illuminates the early church's commitment to order, careful discernment, and responsible administration in its benevolent practices. katalégō thus highlights the structured nature of the Christian community, where specific criteria were applied for formal recognition and support, emphasizing both compassionate care and principled governance within the body of Christ.
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