English · KJV
G2720

κατευθύνω

kateuthýnō /kat-yoo-thoo'-no/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom κατά and εὐθύνω
Meaningto straighten fully, i.e. (figuratively) direct
KJV usageguide, direct.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of kateuthýnō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word kateuthýnō, represented by G2720, means to straighten fully or, figuratively, to guide or direct. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, indicating a specific application focused on divine guidance.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G2720 consistently describes an action performed by God or the Lord. It is used to describe the act of guiding feet into "the way of peace" Luke 1:79 for those in darkness. It is also used in a prayer for the Lord to direct the hearts of believers into the love of God and the patient waiting for Christ 2 Thessalonians 3:5. Finally, it is an appeal for God and the Lord Jesus to direct the apostles' way to the Thessalonian believers, clearing a path for their journey 1 Thessalonians 3:11.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the context in which G2720 operates:

  • G3598 hodós: This word for a road or way is the object of direction in two of the three occurrences. God is asked to direct a "way unto you" 1 Thessalonians 3:11 and to guide feet into the "way of peace" Luke 1:79.
  • G1515 eirḗnē: Defined as peace or rest, this is the ultimate destination of the guidance offered in Luke 1:79.
  • G26 agápē: The Lord is asked to direct believers' hearts into this love, specifically "the love of God" 2 Thessalonians 3:5.
  • G5281 hypomonḗ: Alongside love, the Lord directs hearts toward cheerful (or hopeful) endurance or patience, described as the "patient waiting for Christ" 2 Thessalonians 3:5.
  • G2014 epiphaínō: Meaning to shine upon or give light, this action precedes the guidance in Luke 1:79, where light is given in order to guide those in darkness.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G2720 is seen in its consistent application:

  • Divine Agency: In all instances, the act of directing or guiding is performed by God the Father or the Lord Jesus Christ. The guidance originates from a divine source, not human effort (1 Thessalonians 3:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:5).
  • Comprehensive Guidance: The term is applied to different aspects of the believer's life. It involves the direction of one's physical path or actions ("our feet" in Luke 1:79), one's spiritual and emotional core ("your hearts" in 2 Thessalonians 3:5), and one's ministerial mission ("our way" in 1 Thessalonians 3:11).
  • Purposeful Direction: The guidance is never aimless; it is always toward a specific, positive outcome. The goal is to lead believers into states like peace Luke 1:79, love of God, and patience for Christ 2 Thessalonians 3:5.

Summary

In summary, G2720 kateuthýnō is a specific term for divine direction. Though used only three times, it powerfully communicates the concept of God actively "straightening" the path for believers. This guidance is comprehensive, affecting the believer's journey, heart, and actions. It is a purposeful act that leads believers toward the ultimate goals of peace, love, and steadfast hope in Christ.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Aorist Active Optative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
Singular
One.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Optative
A wish or prayer — rare in the New Testament.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G3598 ὁδός apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or mean G1515 εἰρήνη probably from a primary verb (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:--one, peace, qui G26 ἀγάπη from ἀγαπάω; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity(-ably), dear, lov G5281 ὑπομονή from ὑπομένω; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:--enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). G2014 ἐπιφαίνω from ἐπί and φαίνω; to shine upon, i.e. become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known:--appear, give light.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 3 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke, 1 Thessalonians, and 2 Thessalonians (1 verse each); never once in the other 24.

1
Luke
1
1 Thessalonians
1
2 Thessalonians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.