The Greek word κατάσχεσις (katáschesis), represented by G2697, describes a possession. Its base definition is "a holding down, i.e. occupancy." It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses, signifying a specific type of divinely-granted occupancy.
In its biblical usage, G2697 refers directly to the land God promised to the patriarchs. God promised G1861 to give G1325 the land to Abraham for a possession, even though at the time Abraham had no child G5043 and not even enough ground to set his foot G4228 on Acts 7:5. This promise was later fulfilled when the Israelite fathers G3962 were brought in G1521 with Jesus G2424 (i.e., Joshua) into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God G2316 drave out G1856 before them Acts 7:45.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of a divinely granted possession:
- G2817 klēronomía (inheritance): Defined as heirship or a patrimony, this word is used in direct relation to possession. In Acts 7:5, God gave Abraham no inheritance in the land, yet promised it to him as a future possession.
- G1861 epangéllō (promise): This term, meaning to engage or assert, establishes the foundation for the possession. God promised it to Abraham and his seed G4690 long before it was realized, highlighting divine faithfulness Acts 7:5.
- G1856 exōthéō (drave out): This word, meaning to expel, shows the divine action required to secure the possession. The fathers entered the land only after God drave out the Gentiles before their face G4383 Acts 7:45.
The theological weight of G2697 is tied to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
- Possession by Faith: The concept is established as an object of faith. Abraham was promised G1861 a possession when there was no physical evidence he would receive it, underscoring that the claim is based on God's word, not present circumstances Acts 7:5.
- Possession by Divine Action: The fulfillment of the promise is an act of God's power. It was not by Israel's strength alone that they took the land, but because God drave out G1856 the nations before them, making way for His people Acts 7:45.
- Historical Fulfillment: The word anchors God's promise in a tangible, historical event. The journey from the promise to Abraham to the actual possession of the land under Jesus (Joshua) demonstrates God's faithfulness across generations, continuing unto the days G2250 of David G1138 Acts 7:45.
In summary, G2697 is more than a simple term for occupancy. It represents a possession that is divinely promised, sovereignly given, and historically fulfilled. The word captures a core biblical theme: God's faithfulness to His covenant, demonstrating His power to turn a promise made to one man into a tangible reality for a nation.
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