καταβαίνω (katabainō)
katabainō
to come/go down
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 82 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katabainō simply means to go or come down, describing a physical descent from one level to another. It appears frequently in the Gospels and Acts to narrate movement, such as Jesus descending from a mountain after healing (Matthew 17:9) or Peter going down to meet messengers in Caesarea (Acts 10:20). The word captures the basic action of lowering oneself, whether it is a person stepping off a boat (Mark 1:10) or rain falling on a house (Matthew 7:25).
Its theological weight comes from its use with divine subjects. In John’s Gospel, the term describes heavenly beings or realities moving into the human sphere. Jesus speaks of coming down from heaven to give life (John 6:33), and John the Baptist sees the Spirit descend like a dove (John 1:32). This usage highlights a movement from the divine realm into earthly history, marking moments where God’s presence enters the world in a tangible way.
The word also carries a metaphorical sense of being cast down to a low state. In Luke 10:15, Jesus warns Capernaum that it will be brought down to Hades, using the verb to describe a fall from prominence to ruin. This figurative use underscores the contrast between elevation and humility, showing that katabainō can signify not just physical motion but a change in status or condition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katabainō describes the simple act of coming or going down. In the Gospels, it often marks a shift from one place to another, like Jesus stepping off a boat or descending from a mountain after prayer. These physical movements ground our faith in history. God did not remain distant; He entered our world, walking among us and sharing in human experiences.
There is also a deeper spiritual movement here. When the Spirit descends like a dove at Jesus’ baptism, it signals God’s presence resting upon humanity. This downward motion reminds us that grace comes to us from above. It is not something we climb up to earn, but a gift given freely. We can rest in the knowledge that God has come down to meet us where we are.
Even when the word describes falling, like a house built on sand, it highlights the stability found in Christ. While worldly things may crumble, those anchored in His teaching stand firm. This truth offers comfort during uncertain times, reminding us that our hope is secure because it rests on a foundation that does not shift.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 82 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- descending12×
- came down5×
- having descended4×
- having come down4×
- coming down4×
- went down3×
- was going down3×
- he should come down3×
- will descend2×
- when are descending2×
- to come down2×
- they went down2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατέβη13×
- καταβὰς9×
- καταβαῖνον7×
- κατέβησαν5×
- καταβάτω5×
- κατέβαινεν3×
- κατάβηθι3×
- καταβαίνουσαν3×
- καταβαίνοντα3×
- καταβῆναι2×
- καταβήσεται2×
- καταβάς,2×
Key Verses
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Matthew 3:16
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him.
This verse captures the Spirit descending to identify and empower Jesus for His mission.
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Luke 2:51
And he went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
It shows Jesus’ humble submission to His earthly parents, illustrating a life of quiet obedience.
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Matthew 14:29
He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.
Peter stepping down from the boat demonstrates faith in action as he moves toward Jesus.
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Luke 10:30
Jesus answered, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
The traveler going down to Jericho sets the scene for the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does katabainō mean in the Bible?
How is katabainō different from other words for going down?
Why is this word important for understanding Jesus?
Every Occurrence (82 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 11 verses
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the…
Matthew 7:25The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded…
Matthew 7:27The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell—and its fall was great.”
Matthew 8:1When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
Matthew 11:23You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom…
Matthew 14:29He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.
Matthew 17:9As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the…
Matthew 24:17Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take out the things that are in his house.
Matthew 27:40and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down…
Matthew 27:42“He saved others, but he can’t save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we…
Matthew 28:2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the…