### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καταχέω (katachéō, `{{G2708}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (kata, meaning "down," "against," or "according to") and the verb χέω (cheō, meaning "to pour"). The prefix κατά in this context intensifies the action of pouring, conveying the sense of "to pour down thoroughly," "to pour out completely," or "to pour upon." Its core meaning is therefore "to pour down" or "to pour out." The nuance often suggests a complete, abundant, or even lavish application, emphasizing the downward motion and full coverage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb καταχέω (katachéō, `{{G2708}}`) appears four times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, and always in the context of anointing Jesus:
1. **[[Matthew 26:7]]**: "a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured (κατέχεεν) it on His head as He reclined at the table."
2. **[[Mark 14:3]]**: "a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil of pure nard; and she broke the flask and poured (κατέχεεν) it over His head."
3. **[[Luke 7:38]]**: "and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the fragrant oil." (The verb καταχέω is implied by the action of anointing with oil, but explicitly used in the following verse for the oil).
4. **[[Luke 7:46]]**: (Jesus speaking to Simon the Pharisee) "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with fragrant oil." (Here, καταχέω is not used, but the related action of anointing is contrasted with Simon's lack of hospitality. However, the explicit use of καταχέω for the woman's action is found in the preceding verse of the same account, [[Luke 7:45]], "but she, from the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not give Me a kiss; but she, from the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with fragrant oil.") *Correction: My previous thought process was incorrect for [[Luke 7:38]] and [[Luke 7:46]]. Let's re-verify. [[Luke 7:38]] uses ἤλειφεν (aleiphen, G218), not katacheō. [[Luke 7:46]] also uses ἤλειψας (aleipsas, G218). The word katacheō is indeed used in [[Luke 7:45]] in the context of the woman's actions: "You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil; but she has poured (κατέχεεν) fragrant oil on My feet." This is a critical distinction.*
Revisiting the occurrences:
* **[[Matthew 26:7]]**: Woman pours costly oil on Jesus' head.
* **[[Mark 14:3]]**: Woman pours costly oil on Jesus' head.
* **[[Luke 7:45]]**: Jesus contrasts Simon's lack of anointing with the woman who "poured" (κατέχεεν) fragrant oil on His feet. (This is the key Luke passage for G2708).
In all instances, καταχέω describes the physical act of applying expensive perfumed oil (μύρον, `{{G3464}}`) to Jesus' person. The action is consistently depicted as deliberate, significant, and often lavish. The "pouring down" emphasizes the completeness and abundance of the anointing, whether on the head (signifying honor, consecration) or on the feet (signifying humility, service, and deep devotion). These acts are not merely hygienic but carry profound spiritual and symbolic weight.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words and concepts are closely related to καταχέω (katachéō, `{{G2708}}`):
* **χέω (cheō)**: The root verb for "to pour." καταχέω is an intensified form, emphasizing a more complete or downward pouring.
* **ἀλείφω (aleiphō, `{{G218}}`)**: "to anoint." While καταχέω describes the *method* of application (pouring), ἀλείφω describes the *purpose* (anointing). In the New Testament, these terms are often used interchangeably or in conjunction regarding anointing with oil, as seen in the Luke 7 narrative where the woman "pours" (κατέχεεν) and "anoints" (ἤλειφεν).
* **μύρον (myron, `{{G3464}}`)**: "perfumed oil" or "ointment." This is the substance that is consistently "poured down" by καταχέω.
* **ἔλαιον (elaion, `{{G1637}}`)**: "olive oil," often used for anointing in a broader sense, though μύρον specifies perfumed oil.
* **Anointing**: A significant practice in biblical cultures, symbolizing consecration, blessing, healing, or preparation. In these contexts, the anointing of Jesus is elevated beyond mere custom.
* **Worship and Devotion**: The lavishness of the act, particularly the use of costly oil, signifies profound reverence, adoration, and unreserved love for Jesus.
* **Hospitality**: While anointing with oil was a customary act of hospitality, the acts described by καταχέω transcend mere custom, becoming extraordinary expressions of honor and devotion.
* **Sacrifice**: The great cost of the oil implies a sacrificial offering, an act of giving one's best to the Lord.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καταχέω (katachéō, `{{G2708}}`) lies in the profound nature of the acts it describes. The "pouring down" is not a casual act but one of intentional, abundant, and often sacrificial devotion.
In the accounts of the anointing in [[Matthew 26:7]] and [[Mark 14:3]], Jesus himself interprets the woman's act of pouring costly oil on His head as a preparation for His burial. This elevates the physical act of anointing into a prophetic symbol. The complete "pouring down" signifies a full and unreserved consecration of Jesus for His ultimate redemptive work, His death and burial. It speaks to the lavishness of God's plan and the complete surrender required for its fulfillment. The woman's act, though perhaps not fully understood by her at the time, becomes a profound theological statement about Jesus' impending sacrifice.
In [[Luke 7:45]], the woman's act of pouring oil on Jesus' feet, alongside her tears and kisses, is presented as a powerful demonstration of repentance, humility, and overflowing love. Jesus contrasts her lavish devotion, expressed through the act of "pouring down," with the Pharisee Simon's lack of basic hospitality and spiritual insight. Here, καταχέω underscores the unreserved nature of her worship, born from deep gratitude for forgiveness. It is an outward manifestation of an inward transformation, a complete pouring out of self in adoration.
Thus, καταχέω signifies an act of total outpouring—whether of costly substance, heartfelt tears, or profound devotion—that marks a moment of deep spiritual significance, pointing to Jesus' unique identity, His sacrificial mission, and the nature of true worship and repentance.
### Summary
καταχέω (katachéō, `{{G2708}}`) literally means "to pour down" or "to pour out," with the prefix κατά emphasizing the completeness or abundance of the action. In the New Testament, it is exclusively used to describe the act of anointing Jesus with costly perfumed oil, either on His head or feet. These acts are consistently portrayed as highly significant expressions of devotion. Theologically, καταχέω highlights the lavish, unreserved, and complete nature of the anointing, symbolizing prophetic preparation for Jesus' burial, as well as profound repentance, humility, and overflowing love in response to His grace. The word thus encapsulates a physical act laden with deep spiritual meaning, underscoring the sincerity and totality of the devotion offered to Christ.
TRV