κατέχω

katéchō /kat-ekh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom κατά and ἔχω
Meaningto hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
KJV usagehave, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word κατέχω (katéchō), represented by G2722, means to hold down or hold fast. Its definition, derived from κατά and ἔχω, encompasses a wide range of applications: "to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively):--have, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold." It appears 19 times across 19 unique verses, highlighting its role in describing actions of possessing, restraining, and steadfastly maintaining something.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G2722 is used to convey both positive and negative actions of holding. Positively, believers are admonished to hold fast the profession of their faith Hebrews 10:23 and to hold fast that which is good 1 Thessalonians 5:21. It is also used to describe the ideal response to God's word, where those with an honest heart keep it and bear fruit Luke 8:15. Negatively, the word describes those who hold the truth in unrighteousness, actively suppressing it Romans 1:18. It is also used for physical restraint, as when a crowd stayed Jesus to prevent him from leaving Luke 4:42, and for the act of seizing property Matthew 21:38.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the concept of holding and possessing:

  • G2192 échō (to hold): As the root of κατέχω, this primary verb signifies the general act of holding or possessing something, whether a physical item, a condition, or an ability. It provides the foundational idea of "having" that G2722 intensifies to "holding fast" or "holding down."
  • G3862 parádosis (ordinance, tradition): This term refers to a transmitted precept or tradition. It is what believers are instructed to keep G2722 in 1 Corinthians 11:2, showing that κατέχω is applied to the preservation of apostolic teaching.
  • G3954 parrhēsía (confidence): Meaning assurance or boldness, this is an essential quality that Christians are commanded to hold fast G2722 until the end, connecting the act of holding to the believer's hope and confidence in Christ Hebrews 3:6.

Theological Significance

The theological applications of G2722 are significant, often defining a key aspect of the Christian life or human rebellion.

  • Steadfast Perseverance: The word is repeatedly used to command believers to endure. Christians are to hold fast their confidence and the profession of their faith firmly to the end (Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 10:23). This is not a passive waiting but an active clinging to the promises of God.
  • Ethical Discernment: In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, believers are instructed to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." This connects active testing G1381 with the deliberate retention of what is morally and spiritually valuable.
  • Suppression of Truth: The word carries a heavy theological weight in Romans 1:18, describing the unrighteous who actively hold down or suppress the truth. This is not ignorance, but a willful act of restraint against God's revelation, leading to His wrath. Similarly, it is used to describe a restraining force, or "he who now letteth," in relation to the mystery of iniquity 2 Thessalonians 2:7.

Summary

In summary, G2722 is a dynamic verb that illustrates a powerful act of control. It is far more than simple possession; it is about tenacious retention, whether for good or for ill. It can describe a believer's duty to hold fast to their hope without wavering, the sinner's rebellion in suppressing divine truth, or a restraining power that withholdeth evil. Through its various applications, κατέχω reveals the critical importance of what one chooses to hold on to.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 19 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 1st Plural 3×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Infinitive 2×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 2×
  • Imperfect Passive Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Singular Neuter 1×
  • Present Active Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 19 verses across 11 books. Most frequent in Luke (3 verses).

1
Matthew
3
Luke
1
John
1
Acts
2
Romans
3
1 Corinthians
1
2 Corinthians
1
1 Thessalonians
2
2 Thessalonians
1
Philemon
3
Hebrews

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