### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καταπατέω (katapatéō, `{{G2662}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (katá), meaning "down" or "against" and often intensifying the action of the verb, and πατέω (patéō, `{{G3961}}`), meaning "to tread" or "to walk." Literally, it signifies "to tread down," "to trample underfoot," or "to stamp upon." This conveys a forceful, often violent, and aggressive action.
Semantically, the word extends beyond its literal physical meaning to encompass figurative senses that are crucial for understanding its biblical usage. It denotes:
1. **Physical Trampling:** The literal act of stepping on something, often with the implication of destruction or defilement ([[Matthew 5:13]], [[Luke 8:5]]).
2. **Contemptuous Rejection/Disdain:** To treat something or someone with utter scorn, to despise, or to spurn. This is a profound act of dishonor, as if one is stepping on something to show its worthlessness ([[Matthew 7:6]], [[Hebrews 10:29]]).
3. **Oppression/Desecration:** To subjugate, profane, or defile, often in the context of a holy place or people being overrun by an external power ([[Luke 21:24]], [[Revelation 11:2]]). The intensive prefix κατά underscores the completeness or thoroughness of this contempt or destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term καταπατέω appears six times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **[[Matthew 5:13]]**: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and **trampled underfoot** by men." Here, καταπατέω describes the fate of something that has lost its purpose and value. It is utterly discarded and treated as worthless, fit only to be trodden upon.
* **[[Matthew 7:6]]**: "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they **trample** them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." This verse warns against offering sacred truths or divine blessings to those who are incapable of appreciating them. The swine, representing those who are spiritually unclean and hostile, would not only treat the pearls with contempt (trample them) but also turn against the giver. The act of trampling here signifies profanation and disdain for that which is precious.
* **[[Luke 8:5]]**: "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was **trampled down**, and the birds of the air devoured it." In the Parable of the Sower, the seed falling on the wayside is immediately trampled, signifying the word of God that is heard but not received, and thus quickly lost or taken away by the enemy. It illustrates the failure of the message to take root due to external forces or lack of receptivity.
* **[[Luke 21:24]]**: "And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be **trampled by Gentiles** until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." This is a prophetic statement concerning the subjugation and desecration of Jerusalem by non-Jewish powers. The "trampling" signifies a period of Gentile dominion, oppression, and defilement of the holy city, a time of judgment and dispersion for Israel.
* **[[Hebrews 10:29]]**: "Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has **trampled the Son of God underfoot**, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?" This is arguably the most profound and severe usage. To "trample the Son of God underfoot" is an act of extreme apostasy, a deliberate and contemptuous rejection of Christ's person and atoning work. It signifies treating Him as utterly worthless and His sacrifice as profane, an act of ultimate disdain with dire consequences.
* **[[Revelation 11:2]]**: "But exclude the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will **tread the holy city underfoot** for forty-two months." Echoing [[Luke 21:24]], this prophecy in Revelation speaks of a future period during the tribulation when the "holy city" (Jerusalem) will again be under the oppressive control of Gentile powers, signifying a time of desecration and suffering for God's people.
### Related Words & Concepts
καταπατέω is closely related to its root word πατέω (patéō, `{{G3961}}`), "to tread" or "to walk," but the intensive κατά prefix adds a layer of aggression, completeness, and often contempt to the action.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **καταφρονέω (kataphroneō, `{{G2706}}`):** To despise, scorn, look down upon. This word captures the attitudinal aspect of contempt that often accompanies the physical act of trampling.
* **ὑβρίζω (hybrizō, `{{G5195}}`):** To insult, treat with contempt, outrage. This word reflects the dishonoring and abusive aspect implied in trampling.
* **Desecration/Profanation:** The act of treating something sacred as common or unholy, a key implication of καταπατέω when applied to holy things or persons ([[Matthew 7:6]], [[Hebrews 10:29]], [[Luke 21:24]], [[Revelation 11:2]]).
* **Rejection/Apostasy:** The deliberate turning away from or renunciation of faith, particularly evident in [[Hebrews 10:29]].
* **Oppression/Subjugation:** The forceful domination and control over others, as seen in the prophecies concerning Jerusalem ([[Luke 21:24]], [[Revelation 11:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological import of καταπατέω is profound, highlighting several critical themes:
1. **The Gravity of Profanation:** The word underscores the severe sin of treating sacred things, divine truths, or even the Son of God Himself with contempt. To "trample" implies a deliberate and active act of dishonor, not mere ignorance or neglect. This is most vividly expressed in [[Matthew 7:6]] (profaning holy things) and especially [[Hebrews 10:29]] (profaning the Son of God and His blood).
2. **Consequences of Spiritual Ineffectiveness and Rejection:** In [[Matthew 5:13]], the salt that loses its savor is "trampled," signifying the uselessness and ultimate rejection of that which fails to fulfill its divine purpose. Similarly, the trampled seed in [[Luke 8:5]] illustrates the failure of the Word to take root due to a hardened heart or external interference.
3. **Divine Judgment and Gentile Dominion:** The "trampling" of Jerusalem in [[Luke 21:24]] and [[Revelation 11:2]] signifies a period of divine judgment upon Israel and the temporary allowance of Gentile powers to dominate and defile the holy city. This is part of God's sovereign plan in redemptive history, though it involves suffering and desecration for His people. It points to a time when God's people and places are subjected to the rule of those who do not honor Him, but it is always within the bounds of His ultimate control and purpose.
4. **The Warning Against Apostasy:** [[Hebrews 10:29]] stands as a stark warning against willful apostasy. To "trample the Son of God underfoot" is to deliberately spurn His sacrifice and person, an act of profound rebellion that incurs the most severe divine judgment. It signifies a conscious and complete rejection of the very foundation of salvation.
### Summary
καταπατέω (katapatéō, `{{G2662}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to trample down" or "to tread underfoot." Its literal sense of physical subjugation extends powerfully to figurative meanings of contempt, disdain, profanation, and oppression. In the New Testament, it describes the worthlessness of discarded spiritual efficacy ([[Matthew 5:13]]), the profanation of sacred truths by the unworthy ([[Matthew 7:6]]), the failure of the divine Word to take root ([[Luke 8:5]]), and the historical and eschatological subjugation of Jerusalem by Gentile powers ([[Luke 21:24]], [[Revelation 11:2]]). Most significantly, it portrays the heinous act of apostasy, where one deliberately and contemptuously rejects the Son of God and His atoning work, incurring severe divine judgment ([[Hebrews 10:29]]). The word consistently carries a strong negative connotation, highlighting acts of profound disrespect, desecration, and ultimate rejection.
TRV