### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kataponéō**, represented by `{{G2669}}`, is defined as to "labor down" or "wear with toil," and is used figuratively to mean harass, oppress, or vex. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting a state of being worn down by external pressures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2669}}` describes two distinct situations of suffering. In the book of Acts, Stephen recounts how Moses saw an Israelite "suffer wrong" `{{G91}}` and was "oppressed" `{{G2669}}` by an Egyptian, leading Moses to intervene [[Acts 7:24]]. In 2 Peter, the term is used to describe the internal state of "just Lot," who was "vexed" `{{G2669}}` by the lawless deeds he witnessed [[2 Peter 2:7]]. These examples show the word encompassing both physical oppression and spiritual or mental distress.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the actions surrounding oppression and vexation:
* `{{G4506}}` **rhýomai** (rescue): This word is used to describe God's action to "deliver" Lot from the circumstances that vexed him [[2 Peter 2:7]].
* `{{G1342}}` **díkaios** (just, righteous): This term describes the character of Lot, the one who was "vexed" by the wickedness around him [[2 Peter 2:7]].
* `{{G91}}` **adikéō** (do wrong, injure): This word identifies the injustice committed against the Israelite that is described as being "oppressed" [[Acts 7:24]].
* `{{G292}}` **amýnomai** (defend): This is the action Moses took to protect the one who was being oppressed [[Acts 7:24]].
* `{{G1557}}` **ekdíkēsis** (vindication, retribution): Paired with the word `{{G4160}}` "to do," this describes how Moses "avenged" the oppressed individual [[Acts 7:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2669}}` is tied to God's relationship with the afflicted.
* **The Distress of the Righteous:** The term illustrates the internal suffering of the righteous living in a fallen world. Lot is described as "just" `{{G1342}}` yet is profoundly "vexed" `{{G2669}}`, showing that spiritual anguish over sin is a mark of a righteous person [[2 Peter 2:7]].
* **Justice for the Oppressed:** The experience of being "oppressed" `{{G2669}}` is met with a response of justice. Moses acts to defend `{{G292}}` and avenge `{{G1557}}` the wronged Israelite, providing a clear example of acting on behalf of those worn down by injustice [[Acts 7:24]].
* **Divine Deliverance:** In both scriptural contexts, the state of being oppressed or vexed is followed by an act of rescue. God "delivered" `{{G4506}}` Lot, and Moses defended the Israelite. This establishes a pattern where suffering from oppression is met with divine or divinely-inspired intervention.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2669}}` is a specific term that portrays a state of being worn down by hardship, whether physical or spiritual. While it only appears twice, its usage is powerful, highlighting the pain of the righteous in the face of sin and injustice. Crucially, in both of its occurrences, the narrative immediately moves to an act of deliverance and vindication, demonstrating that the plight of the oppressed and vexed is answered by justice and rescue.
TRV