### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατευθύνω (kateuthýnō), Strong's number `{{G2720}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (kata), which can signify intensity or direction, and the verb εὐθύνω (euthynō), meaning "to make straight," "to guide," or "to direct." The prefix κατά intensifies the action of εὐθύνω, conveying the sense of making something thoroughly straight, guiding it directly, or directing it unerringly towards a specific goal. In its figurative usage within the New Testament, it consistently refers to divine guidance, direction, or the preparation of a path, often implying a providential ordering of circumstances or affairs by God. Its core meaning is to "guide" or "direct" with precision and purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κατευθύνω appears three times in the New Testament, each instance emphasizing God's active and purposeful direction:
1. **[[Luke 1:79]]**: In Zechariah's prophecy concerning John the Baptist and the coming Messiah, it is declared that the "dayspring from on high" will κατευθύναι τοὺς πόδας ἡμῶν εἰς ὁδὸν εἰρήνης ("guide our feet into the way of peace"). Here, κατευθύνω signifies the divine establishment and leading of humanity onto a path that culminates in spiritual peace and reconciliation with God through Christ. It speaks of an intentional, divinely initiated direction towards salvation.
2. **[[1 Thessalonians 3:11]]**: Paul prays for the Thessalonian believers, saying, Αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ("Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you"). This is a petition for God to make Paul's physical journey to them straightforward and unhindered, indicating a desire for divine providence to remove obstacles and facilitate their reunion. The word implies a direct and unswerving path ordained by God.
3. **[[2 Thessalonians 3:5]]**: Paul offers another prayer: Ὁ δὲ Κύριος κατευθύναι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ ("May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ"). In this instance, the direction is internal and spiritual. The prayer is for God to divinely shape and orient the believers' affections and resolve, guiding their inner lives towards a deeper experience of God's love and Christ's enduring faithfulness.
Across these occurrences, κατευθύνω consistently points to God's active and purposeful guidance, whether of physical paths or the inner disposition of the heart.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εὐθύνω (euthynō) `{{G2116}}`**: The root verb from which κατευθύνω is derived, meaning "to make straight," "to guide," or "to direct." κατευθύνω intensifies this action.
* **ὁδός (hodos) `{{G3598}}`**: "Way" or "path." This noun frequently appears in contexts with κατευθύνω, as seen in [[Luke 1:79]] (ὁδὸν εἰρήνης) and [[1 Thessalonians 3:11]] (τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν), highlighting the concept of God guiding one's life path.
* **ὁδηγέω (hodēgeō) `{{G3594}}`**: "To guide," "to lead the way." Similar in meaning to κατευθύνω but often implying guidance by a person or a specific instruction.
* **προνοέω (pronoéō) `{{G4306}}`**: "To take thought beforehand," "to provide." This word relates to God's providential care and planning, which often involves the active direction implied by κατευθύνω.
* **Divine Providence**: The overarching theological concept that God actively governs and directs all things in the universe, including the lives and circumstances of His people. κατευθύνω is a specific and powerful expression of this divine oversight and control.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of κατευθύνω to describe divine action profoundly underscores the sovereignty and active involvement of God in the lives of believers and in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It portrays God not as a distant observer, but as an intimately involved and purposeful guide. He actively directs feet into the path of peace, orchestrates missionary journeys, and shapes the inner spiritual lives of His saints.
This divine direction provides immense comfort and assurance to believers. It signifies that their paths, both external circumstances and internal spiritual growth, are not left to chance or human caprice but are purposefully guided by a benevolent and omniscient God. The prayers in Thessalonians further demonstrate that while God is sovereign, human prayer for such divine guidance is both appropriate and effective, encouraging believers to seek God's direction in all aspects of life. The "way of peace" in Zechariah's prophecy is a powerful theological statement, indicating that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of flourishing and reconciliation with God, made possible by His direct intervention through Christ. Similarly, the "love of God and the steadfastness of Christ" are presented not as inherent human qualities but as virtues into which the Lord actively directs the hearts of His people.
### Summary
κατευθύνω (kateuthýnō), Strong's number `{{G2720}}`, is a Greek verb signifying "to make perfectly straight," "to guide directly," or "to direct unerringly." Its New Testament usage consistently highlights divine guidance and purposeful direction. Occurring in [[Luke 1:79]], [[1 Thessalonians 3:11]], and [[2 Thessalonians 3:5]], it illustrates God's active role in guiding both physical paths (towards peace, or for missionary travel) and shaping internal spiritual dispositions (hearts towards love and steadfastness). The word underscores God's sovereignty and providential care, assuring believers that their lives are under His intentional and benevolent direction, and encouraging prayer for such divine guidance. It encapsulates the profound theological truth that God is actively involved in orchestrating the lives of His people and the advance of His kingdom.
TRV