καταλείπω

kataleípō /kat-al-i'-po/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom κατά and λείπω
Meaningto leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
KJV usageforsake, leave, reserve.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word kataleípō, represented by G2641, is a compound term meaning to leave down or behind. It appears 29 times across 25 unique verses. Its core meaning is to leave something behind, with implications of abandoning, forsaking, or having something remaining or reserved.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G2641 is used in several key ways. It defines the foundational shift in relational priority required for marriage, where a man shall leave his father and mother Matthew 19:5. It is used to describe a deliberate act of abandonment, whether for good or ill. For example, Moses, by faith, forsook Egypt Hebrews 11:27, while others have forsaken the right way and gone astray 2 Peter 2:15. The word also describes being left behind, as when the ninety-nine sheep are left in the wilderness Luke 15:4 or when Jesus was left alone after his accusers departed John 8:9. Finally, it can signify that something remains, such as "a promise being left us of entering into his rest" Hebrews 4:1.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of G2641:

  • G863 aphíēmi (to ... forsake, leave): As a close synonym, this word also means to leave or forsake. It is used in contexts like leaving one's first love Revelation 2:4 and forsaking family for the sake of the kingdom Matthew 19:29.
  • G1831 exérchomai (to issue ... depart): This word describes the action of going out, which often provides the context for someone or something being left behind with G2641. For instance, the accusers "went out" one by one, and as a result, Jesus was left alone John 8:9.
  • G1930 epidiorthóō (set in order): This term highlights a specific purpose for being left behind. Paul left G2641 Titus in Crete so that he could set in order the things that were wanting in the church Titus 1:5.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2641 is significant, touching on themes of commitment, separation, and divine preservation.

  • Relational Priority and Calling: The term establishes new priorities, such as when a man must leave his parents to be joined to his wife Ephesians 5:31. This principle extends to discipleship, where followers are called to leave all to follow Christ Luke 5:28.
  • Abandonment and Faith: kataleípō often marks a critical spiritual choice. It can describe a negative departure, as when people have forsaken the right way 2 Peter 2:15, or a righteous act of faith, when Moses forsook Egypt, choosing to endure by faith Hebrews 11:27.
  • Divine Reservation and Hope: The word is used to express God's sovereign act of preserving a remnant for Himself, as when He states, "I have reserved to myself seven thousand men" Romans 11:4. It also underpins the Christian hope, confirming that Christ's soul was not left in hell Acts 2:31 and that a promise of rest is still left for the people of God Hebrews 4:1.

Summary

In summary, G2641 moves beyond simple physical departure to define critical spiritual choices and their consequences. It illustrates the dynamics of leaving one commitment for another, forsaking the world for faith, and being positioned for a divine purpose. From a man leaving his father to God reserving a people for His name, kataleípō powerfully communicates the importance of what is left behind, abandoned, or preserved.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 26 occurrences, inflected in 14 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 6×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 4×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 1st Singular 2×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Passive Infinitive 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×

+ 2 rarer forms

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 25 verses across 11 books. Most frequent in Acts (6 verses).

4
Matthew
3
Mark
4
Luke
1
John
6
Acts
1
Romans
1
Ephesians
1
1 Thessalonians
1
Titus
2
Hebrews
1
2 Peter

Verse Explorer

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