καθότι (kathoti)

The adverb kathoti functions primarily to link ideas through comparison or cause. In its most common sense, it means "just as" or "according to," establishing a parallel between two situations. This usage appears frequently in the Acts of the Apostles, where it describes how actions mirrored a standard or expectation, such as when believers sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds just as each person had need (Acts 2:45; 4:35).

However, in later Greek and specific New Testament contexts, kathoti shifts to mean "because" or "since," serving as a causal conjunction. This sense is evident in Luke’s Gospel, where the angel tells Zechariah that his prayer has been heard because God remembered him (Luke 1:7), and when Jesus declares salvation has come because the son of Abraham seeks repentance (Luke 19:9). The word also appears with this causal force in Acts 2:24 and 17:31, explaining the reasons behind divine actions or judgments.

Etymologically, kathoti combines the preposition kata ("according to") with hoti ("that" or "which"). This structure allows it to bridge descriptive similarity and logical cause. Translators must carefully distinguish between these two meanings based on context: when the text emphasizes proportion or manner, "just as" fits best; when it explains a reason, "because" is more accurate. This dual nature reflects its development in Hellenistic Greek, where causal uses became increasingly common alongside traditional comparative ones.