### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καταστρώννυμι (katastrṓnnymi, `{{G2693}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (kata, `{{G2596}}`), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb στρώννυμι (strōnnumi, `{{G4766}}`), which means "to spread," "to strew," or "to lay out." Literally, therefore, καταστρώννυμι signifies "to strew down" or "to spread out downwards." This literal sense carries a strong implication of forceful action, leading to the meaning "to prostrate," "to lay low," or "to overthrow." The nuance is one of bringing something or someone to the ground, often with destructive intent or consequence. It suggests a complete and utter defeat or destruction, where the subject is rendered helpless, fallen, or dead upon the ground.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Καταστρώννυμι (katastrṓnnymi, `{{G2693}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians:
* [[1 Corinthians 10:5]] "Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness."
In this singular occurrence, the verb is used in the passive voice, "they were overthrown" (κατεστρώθησαν), indicating that the action was performed upon the Israelites by an external agent, namely God. The context of [[1 Corinthians 10:1-13]] is a sobering warning to the Corinthian believers, drawing parallels between the experiences of ancient Israel in the wilderness and the spiritual dangers facing the church. Paul recounts how, despite miraculous deliverance and divine provision (the cloud, the sea, manna, water from the rock), the majority of the Israelites perished due to their disobedience, idolatry, sexual immorality, testing of Christ, and grumbling. The "overthrowing" here refers directly to the divine judgment that resulted in the death of 23,000 Israelites (cf. [[Numbers 14:16]], [[Numbers 26:65]]), whose bodies were "strewn down" or "laid low" in the wilderness. The term powerfully conveys the finality and severity of God's judgment against their rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological root στρώννυμι (strōnnumi, `{{G4766}}`) itself can mean to spread a bed or furnish a room, highlighting the stark contrast between setting something up or preparing it, and καταστρώννυμι which implies tearing it down or destroying it. Other semantically related words in the Greek New Testament that convey ideas of falling, destruction, or perishing include:
* πίπτω (piptō, `{{G4098}}`): "to fall," often referring to a literal fall or a fall from a position of power or grace.
* ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, `{{G622}}`): "to destroy," "to perish," often used in the context of eternal destruction or physical death.
* θάνατος (thanatos, `{{G2288}}`): "death," the ultimate consequence of sin.
* ὀλέθρος (olethros, `{{G3639}}`): "destruction," especially ruin or perdition.
The concept of divine judgment is also linked to terms like κρίμα (krima, `{{G2917}}`) "judgment," and ὀργή (orgē, `{{G3709}}`) "wrath." The use of καταστρώννυμι in [[1 Corinthians 10:5]] specifically evokes the imagery of bodies fallen and scattered, a vivid picture of the consequences of God's holy wrath.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of καταστρώννυμι (katastrṓnnymi, `{{G2693}}`) carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Judgment and Holiness:** It underscores the absolute holiness of God and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. The "overthrowing" of the disobedient Israelites serves as a stark reminder that God's patience has limits and that sin, even among His chosen people, incurs severe consequences. This act demonstrates God's sovereign power to execute judgment.
2. **Warning to Believers:** Paul employs this historical event as a powerful warning ([[1 Corinthians 10:6]], [[1 Corinthians 10:11]]) to the Corinthian church, and by extension, to all believers. Just as Israel, despite experiencing God's deliverance, fell due to their sin, so too can believers stumble and face divine discipline or judgment if they succumb to similar temptations (idolatry, immorality, grumbling, testing God). It highlights the necessity of perseverance in faith and obedience.
3. **Consequences of Rebellion:** The word vividly portrays the physical and spiritual ruin that results from rebellion against God. The bodies "strewn down" in the wilderness are a tangible symbol of the loss of life and the forfeiture of the promised inheritance due to unfaithfulness.
4. **Typology:** The wilderness generation serves as a "type" or example ([[1 Corinthians 10:6]], [[1 Corinthians 10:11]]) for New Covenant believers. Their failures and God's response to them provide enduring lessons for spiritual vigilance and humility.
### Summary
Καταστρώννυμι (katastrṓnnymi, `{{G2693}}`) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to strew down," with the strong implication of "to prostrate," "to slay," or "to overthrow." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[1 Corinthians 10:5]] describes the divine judgment upon the disobedient Israelites in the wilderness, whose bodies were "overthrown" or "laid low" by God. This term serves as a stark reminder of God's holy wrath against sin and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. Theologically, it functions as a solemn warning to believers about the severe consequences of disobedience and a testament to God's sovereign power to execute judgment, urging them to learn from the past and live in faithful obedience.
TRV