καθοράω (kathoraō)
kathoraō
to perceive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kathoraō means to see clearly or perceive with distinct vision. It combines a prefix emphasizing thoroughness with the root for seeing, creating a sense of looking down from a height or viewing something with complete clarity. In Scripture, this word appears only once, in Romans 1:20, where Paul describes how God’s invisible attributes are understood through creation.
Its usage highlights a specific kind of perception — not just casual observation, but clear discernment that leaves no room for ambiguity. The sources note its connection to seeing from above or with superior insight, suggesting a perspective that grasps the full reality of what is before it. Translators typically render it as "understand" or "clearly perceive," capturing the intellectual clarity Paul intends when he argues that God’s power and divine nature are evident in the natural world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kathoraō carries a sense of clear, unobstructed vision. It is not about guessing or hoping something is true, but seeing it with distinct clarity. In Romans 1:20, Paul uses this term to describe how God’s invisible attributes are perceived through the natural world. This suggests that understanding God does not always require complex theology; sometimes it begins with simply looking at what has been made.
For your faith, this offers a gentle reassurance. You do not need to strain for hidden signs or special revelations to know that God exists and possesses power. The created order itself provides enough light for the eye of faith to perceive His nature. This clarity removes any excuse for ignoring the divine, yet it also invites you to look around with fresh eyes.
When life feels confusing or dark, remember that perception is a gift. You can trust that God has placed evidence of His care in the world around you. This word reminds us that truth is not always hidden; often, it is right before our eyes, waiting to be seen clearly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- are clearly seen,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καθορᾶται,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse.
This verse uses kathoraō to show that God's power and divine nature are not hidden but are distinctly perceived through creation, leaving humanity without excuse.