### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2698}}` *katatíthēmi* is a compound word formed from the preposition *katá* (κατά), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb *títhēmi* (τίθημι), meaning "to put," "to place," or "to set." Literally, therefore, *katatíthēmi* conveys the sense of "to place down" or "to lay down." This foundational meaning extends to the idea of depositing something, either physically or figuratively. While the literal sense of physically laying something down is inherent in its etymology, its usage in the New Testament specifically develops a figurative idiom: "to lay up a favor" or "to deposit goodwill," which effectively means "to do a favor" or "to gain favor." The semantic range thus encompasses the act of placing, securing, or exhibiting something, particularly in the context of human relations and the pursuit of goodwill.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G2698}}` *katatíthēmi* appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the book of Acts and in the same idiomatic expression: *charin katathesthai* (χάριν καταθέσθαι), meaning "to do a favor" or "to lay up favor."
1. **[[Acts 24:27]]**: "But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' place: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound."
In this verse, Felix, the Roman governor, desires "to show the Jews a pleasure" (χάριν καταθέσθαι τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις). His motivation is not justice but political expediency. By leaving Paul in prison, Felix aims to curry favor with the Jewish leaders, demonstrating a willingness to appease them rather than render an impartial judgment. This act highlights the political pressures and self-serving motives that often influenced Roman officials.
2. **[[Acts 25:9]]**: "But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?"
Similarly, Festus, Felix's successor, also seeks "to do the Jews a pleasure" (χάριν καταθέσθαι τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις). His suggestion that Paul be tried in Jerusalem is an attempt to gain favor with the Jewish population, even though it would compromise Paul's safety and legal rights as a Roman citizen. Both instances underscore the common practice of Roman officials leveraging their power to secure popular approval, often at the expense of justice.
In both occurrences, *katatíthēmi* is used figuratively to describe the act of "depositing" or "laying up" goodwill, thereby performing an action intended to gain favor or approval from a specific group. The literal sense of placing something down is extended to the metaphorical act of investing in a relationship for future benefit.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{G2698}}` *katatíthēmi* is enriched by examining its root and other compounds of *títhēmi* (τίθημι, `{{G5087}}`), which is a fundamental verb meaning "to put," "to place," or "to set."
Other compounds that share the same base verb include:
* `{{G659}}` *apotíthēmi* (ἀποτίθημι): "to lay aside," "to put away," often in a moral sense (e.g., laying aside sin).
* `{{G3908}}` *paratíthēmi* (παρατίθημι): "to place beside," "to entrust," often used in the context of entrusting one's spirit or a teaching.
* `{{G2007}}` *epitíthēmi* (ἐπιτίθημι): "to lay upon," "to impose," as in laying hands on someone or imposing a burden.
* `{{G390}}` *anatíthēmi* (ἀνατίθημι): "to lay before," "to refer," as in presenting a matter for consideration.
While *katatíthēmi* emphasizes the "downward" or "depositing" aspect, the common thread among these words is the act of deliberate placement or disposition. The concept of "favor" or "grace" (*charis*, χάρις, `{{G5485}}`) is central to the New Testament occurrences of *katatíthēmi*, highlighting the human pursuit of goodwill and influence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2698}}` *katatíthēmi* in the New Testament is primarily found in its illumination of human motivations and the nature of worldly power. The repeated phrase *charin katathesthai* (to do/show a favor) in the context of Roman governance reveals a stark contrast between human justice and divine righteousness.
Felix and Festus, as depicted in Acts, are not driven by a commitment to truth or impartial justice when dealing with Paul. Instead, their actions are motivated by the desire to "deposit favor" with the Jewish populace. This illustrates the fallen nature of human authority, which often prioritizes self-preservation, political gain, and popular appeasement over moral rectitude and divine principles.
From a theological perspective, these instances serve as a subtle but potent reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians. They were often subjected to systems where justice was negotiable and influenced by human agendas. This contrasts sharply with God's perfect justice and unwavering faithfulness, which are not swayed by favoritism or political maneuvering. The pursuit of human favor, as depicted by *katatíthēmi*, stands in tension with the call to seek God's favor and to live righteously, regardless of worldly consequences. It underscores the corrupting influence of power when disconnected from divine truth and ethical foundations.
### Summary
`{{G2698}}` *katatíthēmi* literally means "to place down" or "to deposit." In its New Testament occurrences, it is exclusively used in the idiomatic expression *charin katathesthai* (χάριν καταθέσθαι), meaning "to do a favor" or "to lay up/deposit favor." This idiom appears in [[Acts 24:27]] and [[Acts 25:9]], describing the actions of Roman governors Felix and Festus, respectively, who sought to gain favor with the Jewish leaders by compromising justice concerning the Apostle Paul. The word thus illuminates the worldly pursuit of goodwill and political expediency, contrasting with the divine standard of righteousness and impartial justice. While its literal meaning is foundational, its actual biblical usage highlights the figurative act of securing human approval.
TRV