from κατά and φέρω (including its alternate); to bear down, i.e. (figuratively) overcome (with drowsiness); specially, to cast a vote:--fall, give, sink down.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2702}}` καταφέρω (kataphérō) is a compound formed from the preposition `{{G2596}}` κατά (katá), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb `{{G5342}}` φέρω (phérō), meaning "to bear," "carry," or "bring." The fundamental sense of the compound is therefore "to bear down," "to bring down," or "to carry down." This core meaning gives rise to a distinct semantic range within the New Testament.
Firstly, it can denote a physical act of being overcome or weighed down, particularly by a force like sleep. In this sense, it describes a passive state where one "sinks down" or "falls" due to an overpowering influence.
Secondly, and more specifically, `{{G2702}}` can refer to the act of "casting a vote." This specialized usage likely derives from the ancient practice of casting pebbles (ψῆφος, `{{G5586}}`) downwards into an urn to register a vote or verdict. Thus, it signifies an active participation in a decision, particularly one with legal or judicial implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G2702}}` appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the book of Acts, each illustrating one of its distinct semantic branches:
1. **Acts 20:9**: "And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and was taken up dead."
Here, the phrase "sunk down with sleep" translates κατενεχθεὶς ὕπνῳ βαθεῖ (katenechtheis hypnō batheī). Eutychus was "borne down" or "overcome" by a profound sleep (`{{G5258}}` ὕπνος), leading to his literal fall from the third story window. This usage highlights the physical impact of weariness and the human body's susceptibility to being weighed down by natural forces. The context emphasizes the duration of Paul's preaching and the natural limitations of human endurance, setting the stage for divine intervention.
2. **Acts 26:10**: "Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them."
In this passage, Paul (formerly Saul) recounts his zealous persecution of early Christians. The phrase "I gave my voice against them" translates ψῆφον κατενέγκα (psēphon katenenka). Here, `{{G2702}}` is used in its technical sense of "casting a vote" or "giving a verdict." The accompanying noun `{{G5586}}` ψῆφος (psēphos), meaning a "pebble" or "vote," confirms this specific legal/judicial connotation. Paul's confession reveals his active participation in the condemnation and execution of believers, underscoring the severity of his prior actions against the nascent Church before his conversion.
These two occurrences perfectly encapsulate the dual nature of `{{G2702}}`: a passive state of being overcome and an active participation in a judicial decision.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{G2702}}` is enriched by examining its constituent parts and related terms:
* **`{{G5342}}` φέρω (phérō)**: The root verb meaning "to bear," "carry," or "bring." It is a fundamental verb of motion and action, and its compounding with prefixes like `{{G2596}}` κατά (katá) creates nuanced meanings.
* **`{{G2596}}` κατά (katá)**: The preposition "down," "against," or "according to." In `{{G2702}}`, it consistently conveys a downward motion or an oppressive force.
* **`{{G5258}}` ὕπνος (hypnos)**: "Sleep." This noun is directly associated with the use of `{{G2702}}` in [[Acts 20:9]], where it describes the agent that causes Eutychus to be "borne down."
* **`{{G5586}}` ψῆφος (psēphos)**: "Pebble," "vote," "ballot." This noun is crucial for understanding the judicial meaning of `{{G2702}}` in [[Acts 26:10]], signifying the actual means by which a vote was cast.
* **Legal/Judicial Vocabulary**: The use of `{{G2702}}` in the context of "casting a vote" connects it to a broader semantic field of legal proceedings, judgment, condemnation, and authority, such as terms for judging (`{{G2919}}` κρίνω), condemning (`{{G2632}}` κατακρίνω), and authority (`{{G1849}}` ἐξουσία).
* **Physical States**: The "sinking down" meaning relates to terms describing physical weariness, exhaustion, or being overwhelmed.
### Theological Significance
The sparse but significant occurrences of `{{G2702}}` offer profound theological insights:
In [[Acts 20:9]], Eutychus's "sinking down" due to deep sleep serves as a powerful illustration of human frailty. Even in the presence of apostolic preaching, the body succumbs to its natural limitations. This incident highlights the tension between spiritual eagerness and physical endurance. The subsequent miraculous raising of Eutychus by Paul, however, underscores God's sovereign power over life and death, demonstrating that divine grace can intervene even when human weakness leads to dire consequences. It is a testament to the life-giving power of the Risen Christ working through His apostles.
In [[Acts 26:10]], Paul's confession of "casting a vote" against the saints is deeply significant for understanding his pre-conversion zeal. It reveals the extent of his active, personal involvement in the persecution of Christians, moving beyond mere assent to direct participation in their condemnation and execution. This use of `{{G2702}}` emphasizes the gravity of his past actions, driven by a misguided religious fervor. The stark contrast between the persecutor Saul and the apostle Paul, who now preaches the very faith he once sought to destroy, powerfully illustrates the transformative and redemptive power of the Gospel. It stands as a testament to God's grace that can redeem even the most grievous of past sins and repurpose a life for His glory. This confession also serves as a reminder of the human capacity for severe error and the profound consequences of choices made under false pretenses.
Thus, `{{G2702}}`, though appearing only twice, points to both the vulnerability of the human condition and the weighty moral choices made by individuals, all within the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan and miraculous intervention.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2702}}` καταφέρω (kataphérō) fundamentally means "to bear down." Its semantic range extends to two distinct applications in the New Testament. Firstly, it describes being physically "overcome" or "sunk down" by a force, as seen in Eutychus being "sunk down with sleep" in [[Acts 20:9]]. This highlights human frailty and the power of God's intervention. Secondly, it refers to the specific act of "casting a vote" or "giving a verdict," as when Paul recounts "giving his voice against" the saints in [[Acts 26:10]]. This usage underscores his active participation in the persecution of early Christians, revealing the profound transformation wrought by his conversion. In both instances, `{{G2702}}` illuminates aspects of human experience—from physical limitation to moral agency—within the divine narrative of grace and redemption.
TRV