### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
Katamónas (`{{G2651}}`) is an adverbial phrase derived from the preposition κατά (`{{G2596}}`, "according to") and the accusative plural feminine of μόνος (`{{G3441}}`, "alone," "only"), with the noun χώρα (`{{G5561}}`, "place" or "region") implied. It literally translates to "according to sole places" or "in solitary places." Its core meaning conveys the idea of being "alone," "separately," or "by oneself," emphasizing a state of isolation or withdrawal from a group or public setting. The term specifically highlights the spatial aspect of being alone, indicating a physical separation or seclusion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
This adverb appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the Gospel of Mark, and both instances are highly significant for understanding Jesus' ministry and method of discipleship.
* **[[Mark 4:10]]**: "And when he was alone (καταμόνας), those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables." Here, katamónas describes the moment Jesus transitions from public teaching to the crowds to a private session with His inner circle. The term signifies a deliberate withdrawal to a secluded space, allowing for intimate dialogue and deeper explanation of the parables, particularly the "mystery of the kingdom of God" ([[Mark 4:11]]). This context underscores the disciples' unique access to understanding, distinct from the general populace.
* **[[Mark 9:2]]**: "And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up on a high mountain alone (καταμόνας) by themselves." This second occurrence sets the scene for the Transfiguration. Jesus specifically takes only three disciples, and katamónas emphasizes the exclusive, private nature of this revelatory event. The high mountain serves as a place of profound encounter, isolated from the world below, highlighting the sacred and intimate nature of the divine manifestation witnessed by this select group.
In both instances, katamónas denotes a purposeful separation for the sake of intimate instruction, profound revelation, or spiritual formation, emphasizing the exclusivity and privacy of these pivotal moments in Jesus' ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μόνος (`{{G3441}}`):** The root adjective, meaning "alone" or "only." While katamónas specifies being "alone in places," monos can be used more broadly for being alone in any sense (e.g., [[John 8:16]], "I am not alone").
* **κατά (`{{G2596}}`):** The preposition "according to," "down," "against." In katamónas, it functions adverbially to reinforce the sense of being "in accordance with" or "in the manner of" solitary places.
* **ἀποχωρέω (`{{G672}}`):** "to depart," "to go away." This verb often describes the action of withdrawing, which can lead to a state of being katamónas.
* **χωρίς (`{{G5565}}`):** "apart from," "without." Similar in concept to separation, but katamónas specifically emphasizes the *state* of being alone in a *place*.
* **Privacy and Seclusion:** The concept conveyed by katamónas is intrinsically linked to the ideas of privacy, seclusion, and intimate fellowship, particularly in the context of spiritual instruction and divine revelation.
### Theological Significance
The rare but strategic use of katamónas in Mark's Gospel carries significant theological weight, consistently pointing to moments of profound, exclusive interaction between Jesus and His closest disciples.
* **Discipleship and Revelation:** The term highlights Jesus' pedagogical method, where certain truths and experiences were reserved for private teaching. This suggests a progression in understanding and a deepening of relationship that occurs in a secluded, intimate setting, distinct from public proclamation. It underscores the necessity of focused, undistracted attention for grasping deeper spiritual realities.
* **The Mystery of the Kingdom:** In [[Mark 4:10]], being katamónas allows Jesus to explain the "mystery of the kingdom of God" ([[Mark 4:11]]) to His disciples. This implies that some truths are not universally accessible but require a prepared heart and a private context for reception and contemplation.
* **Divine Intimacy:** The Transfiguration ([[Mark 9:2]]) is a pinnacle of divine revelation and a foretaste of Jesus' glory. The use of katamónas underscores the sacred, intimate nature of this encounter, suggesting that profound encounters with the divine often occur in moments of intentional separation and solitude, away from the distractions of the world.
* **Pattern for Believers:** This term subtly teaches the value of withdrawing for private prayer, study, and intimate fellowship with God and trusted spiritual companions. It affirms that some spiritual growth, deeper understanding, and revelatory experiences occur best in contexts of intentional solitude and focused communion.
### Summary
Katamónas (`{{G2651}}`) is a precise Greek adverb meaning "alone" or "separately," specifically denoting a withdrawal to private or solitary places. Its two occurrences in Mark's Gospel (`{{G2651}}` in [[Mark 4:10]] and [[Mark 9:2]]) are highly significant, consistently describing Jesus' deliberate separation with His disciples for moments of deeper instruction (explaining parables) and profound revelation (the Transfiguration). The term underscores the theological importance of privacy and seclusion for intimate discipleship, the reception of spiritual mysteries, and encounters with the divine. It highlights that certain truths and experiences are reserved for those who draw near in a personal, unhindered setting, emphasizing the value of focused, private engagement in the spiritual journey for deeper understanding and communion.
TRV