### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κατατρέχω (katatréchō, `{{G2701}}`) is a compound verb derived from the preposition κατά (kata, `{{G2596}}`), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb τρέχω (trechō, `{{G5143}}`), meaning "to run." Syntactically, the prefix κατά intensifies or specifies the direction of the running. The core meaning is thus "to run down." The base definition further refines this to "to hasten from a tower," suggesting a rapid, perhaps urgent, descent from an elevated position. The semantic range of κατατρέχω is quite narrow, focusing on the directional aspect ("down") combined with the speed and action of running.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κατατρέχω (katatréchō, `{{G2701}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 9:15]]**: "And immediately, when all the crowd saw him, they were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him." The Greek reads: "καὶ εὐθὺς πᾶς ὁ ὄχλος ἰδόντες αὐτὸν ἐξεθαμβήθησαν, καὶ προστραχόντες προσεκύνουν αὐτόν." While many translations render the verb as simply "running to him," the underlying Greek κατατρέχοντες (katatrechontes, the present active participle) carries the nuance of "running down" or "running from a higher place." This context is crucial: Jesus and His three disciples had just descended from the Mount of Transfiguration ([[Mark 9:2-9]]). Therefore, the crowd's action of "running down" to meet Jesus, who was Himself descending from the mountain, perfectly aligns with the word's inherent meaning of hastening from an elevated position. Their amazement and immediate prostration (προσεκύνουν, "they greeted/worshipped") underscore the powerful and awe-inspiring effect of Jesus' presence, particularly after such a profound spiritual experience. The verb emphasizes the swiftness and eagerness of their approach.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb τρέχω (trechō, `{{G5143}}`), which means "to run" in a general sense. This verb is frequently used in the New Testament, sometimes metaphorically to describe the Christian life as a race (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 9:24]], [[Galatians 2:2]], [[Philippians 2:16]]). The addition of the prefix κατά (kata, `{{G2596}}`) in κατατρέχω specifies the direction, distinguishing it from general running. Other related concepts include:
* καταβαίνω (katabainō, `{{G2597}}`): "to go down," "to descend." This is a broader term for descending, not necessarily implying running or haste.
* σπεύδω (speudō, `{{G4692}}`): "to hasten," "to hurry." This verb focuses on the speed of movement, without specifying direction.
* The broader semantic field of verbs of motion and approach, particularly those indicating eagerness or urgency in drawing near to someone.
### Theological Significance
Though κατατρέχω (katatréchō, `{{G2701}}`) appears only once, its specific use in [[Mark 9:15]] carries significant theological weight within the narrative. Following the Transfiguration, Jesus descends from a mountain of divine glory back into the world of human suffering and need. The crowd's immediate and amazed reaction, expressed by their "running down" to meet Him, highlights several points:
1. **The Magnetic Presence of Christ:** Even after descending from an encounter with divine glory, Jesus' presence continued to draw people with compelling force. The swiftness of their approach signifies an irresistible attraction.
2. **Reverence and Awe:** Their "amazement" and subsequent "greeting/worship" (προσεκύνουν) indicate a profound recognition of Jesus' unique authority and holiness. The physical act of running down to Him is a manifestation of their spiritual eagerness and reverence.
3. **Contrast with Disciples' Struggles:** This enthusiastic reception by the crowd immediately follows the disciples' inability to cast out a demon from a boy ([[Mark 9:14]]). The crowd's eager approach to Jesus stands in stark contrast to the spiritual impotence witnessed by the scribes and the crowd just moments before. Jesus' arrival brings immediate resolution and renewed hope.
4. **Descent and Engagement:** The word underscores Jesus' active descent from a place of divine encounter to engage with human need and suffering. The crowd's "running down" to meet Him mirrors, in a sense, the divine condescension of Christ.
### Summary
κατατρέχω (katatréchō, `{{G2701}}`) is a precise Greek verb meaning "to run down" or "to hasten from an elevated position," formed from κατά (down) and τρέχω (to run). Its singular occurrence in the New Testament, at [[Mark 9:15]], describes the crowd's immediate and amazed response to Jesus as He descended from the Mount of Transfiguration. This specific usage emphasizes the swift, eager, and reverent approach of those who encountered Christ, underscoring His magnetic presence and the profound impact He had on those who sought Him. The word, though rare, vividly portrays the physical action of rapid descent or approach, reflecting a spiritual eagerness to draw near to the Lord.
TRV