καθά (katha)
katha
as/just as
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb kathē functions simply as "just as" or "according to," serving as a precise marker of comparison in the New Testament. It is a rare word, appearing only twice in the canonical Gospels: once in Luke’s genealogy and once in Matthew’s account of the purchase of a field. Its meaning is straightforward, establishing a direct correspondence between two states or actions without adding emotional weight or complex theological nuance.
Etymologically, it combines the preposition kata ("according to") with hosa ("as many things as"), literally pointing to a measure or standard that matches exactly. In Luke 1:2, it describes how the authors of earlier accounts followed the reports handed down by eyewitnesses, emphasizing fidelity to the original testimony. Matthew 27:10 uses it to note that the field bought with Judas’s money was purchased "just as" the law required for such purposes, highlighting strict adherence to a precedent.
Because of its rarity, kathē does not carry the broad semantic range of more common comparatives like hōs. It is a functional tool for accuracy rather than illustration. Translators typically render it as "just as" or "according to," preserving the sense that one thing aligns perfectly with another specific standard or report.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kathē appears only twice in the New Testament, serving as a precise marker that one thing aligns perfectly with another. It does not carry heavy theological weight or complex nuance; instead, it functions simply to show exact correspondence. When you encounter this term, you are seeing a clear statement of fidelity to a standard or report.
In Matthew 27:10, the evangelist uses this word to describe how the purchase of the potter’s field was done 'just as' the Lord commanded. This small detail highlights the importance of strict adherence to precedent and divine instruction. It reminds us that faithfulness often lies in the precise alignment of our actions with God's revealed will.
For your daily life, this word invites you to consider how closely your choices match the teachings of Scripture. It is not about striving for perfection through your own strength, but about recognizing the value of aligning your steps with what has been clearly given to you. This alignment brings a quiet stability to your walk of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- as1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καθὰ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 27:10
and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
This occurrence highlights the precise adherence to divine command regarding the purchase of the potter's field, showing that the action matched the instruction exactly.