### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **patéō**, represented by `{{G3961}}`, means **to trample** or **tread** down, both literally and figuratively. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The word conveys an act of dominance, subjugation, or judgment by treading something under foot.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3961}}` is used to illustrate concepts of both delegated authority and divine judgment. In Luke, believers are given power to **tread** on serpents and scorpions, symbolizing authority over the enemy [[Luke 10:19]]. The word also appears prophetically, describing Jerusalem as being **trodden down** by the Gentiles [[Luke 21:24]] and the holy city being **tread under foot** for a specific time [[Revelation 11:2]]. In Revelation, the image of treading is used to depict God's ultimate wrath, where the winepress of his fierceness is **trodden** ([[Revelation 14:20]], [[Revelation 19:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the actions associated with **patéō**:
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength): This word for delegated influence or right is given to believers, enabling them to **tread** on the enemy's power [[Luke 10:19]].
* `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis** (miraculous power, strength): Used alongside **exousía**, this term describes the miraculous force or **power** of the enemy over which believers are given authority [[Luke 10:19]].
* `{{G3960}}` **patássō** (to smite, strike): This word for striking is used in direct parallel with treading. In Revelation, Christ will **smite** the nations with a sword and he also **treadeth** the winepress of God's wrath [[Revelation 19:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3961}}` is significant, highlighting themes of power, conflict, and judgment.
* **Spiritual Authority:** The term establishes the authority Christ gives to His followers. They are empowered to **tread** on spiritual enemies, demonstrating the victory believers have through Him [[Luke 10:19]].
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The treading down of Jerusalem by the Gentiles is presented as a specific period of subjugation that must be fulfilled, linking the word to God's sovereign timeline in history ([[Luke 21:24]], [[Revelation 11:2]]).
* **Divine Judgment:** The most powerful use of the term is in the context of eschatological wrath. Christ **treadeth** the winepress, a vivid metaphor for the execution of God's final and fierce judgment upon wickedness [[Revelation 19:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3961}}` is a potent word that signifies more than simple movement. It illustrates dominion and subjugation in both the spiritual and physical realms. From the authority given to believers over darkness to the final, decisive judgment of God enacted by Christ, **patéō** consistently describes an act of overwhelming control and the establishment of ultimate power.
TRV