### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV