### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2700 (κατατοξεύω, *katatoxeúō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (*kata*), meaning "down" or "against," often used to intensify a verb's action, and a derivative of τόξον (*toxon*), meaning "bow." The base verb τοξεύω (*toxeuō*) means "to shoot with a bow." Therefore, κατατοξεύω literally means "to shoot down with an arrow" or "to pierce through with an arrow." The prefix κατά emphasizes the decisive, downward, or penetrating nature of the action, suggesting a fatal or utterly destructive piercing. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing on this specific, violent form of penetration, often implying a lethal outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G2700 (κατατοξεύω) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews:
* **[[Hebrews 12:20]]**: "For they could not endure the command, 'If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or thrust through with a dart.'" (ESV)
This verse directly quotes or alludes to the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Exodus 19:13]], which describes the terrifying conditions under which the Law was given at Mount Sinai. In [[Exodus 19:12-13]], God commanded Moses to set boundaries around the mountain, warning that anyone (or anything) that touched it would be put to death, either by stoning or by being "shot through" (LXX: κατατοξεύω).
The context in Hebrews 12 is a powerful contrast between the Old Covenant experience at Mount Sinai and the New Covenant reality in Christ. The author uses the imagery of Mount Sinai's terrifying holiness and inaccessibility—where even an animal touching the mountain faced immediate, fatal judgment—to underscore the absolute separation between a holy God and sinful humanity under the Law. The word "thrust through" (κατατοξεύω) vividly conveys the severity, immediacy, and finality of divine judgment for transgressing God's sacred boundaries. It is not merely a wound but a definitive, life-ending blow, emphasizing the unapproachable nature of God's holiness apart from divine provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate G2700 (κατατοξεύω), it is helpful to consider its lexical relatives and thematic connections:
* **Greek Cognates:**
* τοξεύω (*toxeuō*): The simpler verb "to shoot with a bow."
* τόξον (*toxon*): "Bow" (the instrument).
* βέλος (*belos*): "Dart," "arrow" (the missile).
* κατά (*kata*): The preposition that adds intensity or direction ("down," "against") to the verb.
* **Other Greek Verbs of Piercing/Striking:**
* νύσσω (*nyssō* - `{{G3572}}`): "To pierce," "to prick."
* ἐκκεντέω (*ekkenteō* - `{{G1825}}`): "To pierce through" (used of Christ's side in [[John 19:37]]).
* πατάσσω (*patassō* - `{{G3960}}`): "To strike," "to smite."
* **Hebrew Equivalents (from LXX of Exodus 19:13):**
* יָרָה (*yarah* - `{{H3384}}`): "To throw," "to shoot" (as with an arrow).
* נָקַב (*naqab* - `{{H5344}}`): "To pierce," "to bore through."
* רָגַם (*ragam* - `{{H7275}}`): "To stone," which is presented as an alternative form of execution alongside being "shot through" in both [[Exodus 19:13]] and [[Hebrews 12:20]].
* **Thematic Concepts:** Divine judgment, holiness, separation, death as a consequence of sin, the inviolability of sacred space, the severity of the Old Covenant, and the contrast with New Covenant grace.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of G2700 (κατατοξεύω) in the New Testament is highly significant for understanding the theological argument of Hebrews. Its placement in [[Hebrews 12:20]] serves as a stark reminder of the terrifying nature of God's holiness under the Old Covenant. The imagery of being "thrust through" by a divine missile underscores:
1. **The Absolute Holiness of God:** It demonstrates that God's presence at Sinai was utterly unapproachable by sinful humanity. Any transgression of His boundaries, even unintentional, resulted in immediate and fatal judgment.
2. **The Severity of Divine Judgment:** The word conveys the finality and penetrating force of God's wrath against sin. To be "thrust through" is to suffer a decisive, life-ending blow, leaving no room for escape or mitigation.
3. **The Necessity of Mediation:** The Old Covenant system, with its strict prohibitions and fatal consequences, highlighted humanity's inability to approach God directly. It implicitly pointed to the need for a mediator and a different way of access.
4. **A Contrast to New Covenant Grace:** The primary theological significance of κατατοξεύω in Hebrews 12 is its function as a dark backdrop against which the glory of the New Covenant shines. Believers in Christ do not approach a terrifying mountain where they risk being "thrust through," but rather "Mount Zion," the heavenly Jerusalem, where they have access to God through the blood of sprinkling and the mediation of Jesus ([[Hebrews 12:22-24]]). This contrast magnificently highlights the grace, peace, and security found in Christ, who bore the piercing judgment that we deserved.
### Summary
G2700 (κατατοξεύω, *katatoxeúō*) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to shoot down or pierce through with an arrow." Its sole occurrence in the New Testament in [[Hebrews 12:20]] draws upon the Old Testament account of Mount Sinai to vividly portray the severe, immediate, and fatal consequences of violating God's holy boundaries under the Mosaic Law. The image of being "thrust through" underscores the absolute holiness of God and the unapproachable nature of His presence for unredeemed humanity. Theologically, this word serves as a critical point of contrast, illuminating the immense grace and secure access to God provided through the New Covenant in Christ, who by His sacrifice has delivered believers from the terrifying prospect of such a piercing divine judgment.
TRV