καθώς (kathōs)
kathōs
as/just as
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 180 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb kathōs functions as a versatile connector meaning "just as," "according to," or "even as." It establishes a relationship of comparison, proportion, or cause between two clauses. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in the Gospels and Pauline letters, often serving to link a statement with a scriptural citation or a preceding action.
A key feature of its usage is its role in introducing direct quotations from the Old Testament. Writers such as Matthew and Paul use kathōs to signal that what follows is the fulfillment or explanation of scripture, as seen in Matthew 26:24 where Jesus references the prophesied betrayal. It also appears with verbs of speaking, like in Acts 15:14, to introduce reported speech.
Beyond quotation, kathōs expresses degree and manner. It can mean "in the degree that" or "as much as," providing a measure for comparison. For instance, Mark 4:33 uses it to describe how Jesus spoke the word to them, according to their ability to understand. This flexibility allows it to function as a temporal marker ("when") or a causal one ("since"), depending on the context of the sentence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kathōs connects our actions to God’s truth. It means “just as” or “according to.” When you see it in Scripture, notice how it links what Jesus did with what was promised long ago. This shows that history is not random. God’s plans unfold exactly as He said they would.
For your daily life, this word offers steady comfort. It reminds you that the God who kept His promises to the prophets is still faithful today. When circumstances feel uncertain, remember that Christ’s words are reliable. You can trust that He guides events with precision and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 180 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- even as165×
- Even as17×
- as1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καθὼς171×
- καθώς11×
- Καθὼς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 28:6
He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
This verse uses kathōs to confirm that Jesus’ resurrection happened exactly as He predicted, validating His authority over death.
-
Luke 17:26
As it was in the days of Noah, even so it will also be in the days of the Son of Man.
Here the word draws a direct parallel between the days of Noah and the future return of the Son of Man, showing how past events mirror coming ones.
-
Mark 9:13
But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they have also done to him whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about him.”
Jesus uses this term to show that John the Baptist’s suffering fulfilled specific prophetic writings about Elijah.
-
Luke 6:36
“Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.
This occurrence calls believers to imitate God’s mercy, linking human behavior directly to the character of the Father.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kathōs mean in the New Testament?
How is kathōs different from other Greek words for 'as'?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (180 verses across 21 books)
Matthew 3 verses
The disciples went and did just as Jesus commanded them,
Matthew 26:24The Son of Man goes even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would…
Matthew 28:6He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.