### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katesthíō**, represented by `{{G2719}}`, means to eat down or **devour**. It is formed from the words κατά and ἐσθίω and appears 20 times across 15 unique verses. It is used to describe consumption in both a literal and figurative sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2719}}` is used in several key contexts. Literally, it describes the fowls of the air that **devoured** the seed that fell by the way side in the parable of the sower [[Luke 8:5]]. Figuratively, it is used to condemn the scribes and Pharisees who **devour** widows' houses, highlighting their exploitation [[Matthew 23:14]]. The term also carries symbolic weight, as seen when the dragon stands ready to **devour** the child of the woman in Revelation [[Revelation 12:4]], and when fire from heaven **devoured** those who compassed the camp of the saints [[Revelation 20:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of consumption and destruction:
* `{{G1143}}` **dáknō** (to bite, i.e. (figuratively) thwart): This word is used alongside **devour** to describe relational conflict within the church, warning believers not to "bite and **devour** one another" [[Galatians 5:15]].
* `{{G2662}}` **katapatéō** (to trample down; figuratively, to reject with disdain): In the parable of the sower, the seed is first "trodden down" before the fowls of the air **devoured** it, showing a sequence of destructive actions [[Luke 8:5]].
* `{{G355}}` **analískō** (properly, to use up, i.e. destroy): This term describes the ultimate outcome of devouring one another in conflict, warning that believers might be "consumed one of another" [[Galatians 5:15]].
* `{{G5315}}` **phágō** (to eat (literally or figuratively)): As an alternate form of the root word for **katesthíō**, it appears in Revelation where John is told to **eat up** `{{G2719}}` the little book, and a moment later he states, "as soon as I had eaten `{{G5315}}` it, my belly was bitter" [[Revelation 10:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2719}}` is significant, conveying ideas of utter destruction, exploitation, and overwhelming experience.
* **Destructive Power:** The word is frequently associated with complete destruction, either as an act of judgment, such as the fire from heaven that **devoured** God's enemies [[Revelation 20:9]], or as a symbol of satanic intent, as with the dragon waiting to **devour** the child [[Revelation 12:4]].
* **Exploitation and Sin:** It is used to condemn the sin of exploiting the vulnerable, most notably in the repeated charge against those who **devour** widows' houses [[Matthew 23:14]]. It also describes the wasteful consumption of the prodigal son, who **devoured** his living with harlots [[Luke 15:30]].
* **Internal Strife:** The term is applied to conflict within the community of believers, warning them not to "bite and **devour** one another" lest they be consumed [[Galatians 5:15]].
* **Prophetic Calling:** In a unique sense, it describes the overwhelming nature of a divine message or passion. John is commanded to **eat** the little book [[Revelation 10:9]], and zeal for God's house is described as having **eaten** up the speaker [[John 2:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2719}}` is a powerful verb that extends beyond simple eating. It is a cornerstone for understanding concepts of destruction, exploitation, and overwhelming force in scripture. From the literal act of fowls **devouring** seeds to the figurative damnation of those who **devour** widows' houses, the word carries a weight of finality and totality. It illustrates how a single term can describe physical consumption, sinful exploitation, and even the all-encompassing nature of divine zeal.
TRV