καταβάλλω (kataballō)
kataballō
to lay/throw down
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataballō means to throw or lay something down, often with a sense of finality or force. In its most literal sense, it describes casting an object to the ground, but in Scripture, it carries significant metaphorical weight. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in passages that deal with human limitation and divine purpose.
In 2 Corinthians 4:9, Paul uses the passive form to describe being "hard pressed" or cast down on every side. Here, the word paints a vivid picture of a person thrown to the ground by external pressures, yet not destroyed. It suggests a state of vulnerability where one is pinned down by circumstances, highlighting human weakness rather than defeat.
The second occurrence in Hebrews 6:1 uses the active voice with the noun "foundation" (themelion). Here, kataballō means to lay down a foundation. This usage shifts the image from being thrown down to deliberately placing something solid at the base of a structure. It implies intentionality and stability, contrasting sharply with the chaos of being cast about in 2 Corinthians.
The root kata- suggests downward motion, while ballō means to throw. Together, they create a dynamic image of placement or impact. Translators often render it as "cast down" or "lay," depending on whether the context emphasizes pressure or construction. The word reminds readers that whether we are being pressed by trials or building our faith, God is involved in both the laying and the holding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels overwhelming, it is easy to believe that pressure equals defeat. The word kataballō captures this tension perfectly. In 2 Corinthians 4:9, Paul describes being struck down or cast down on every side. This image does not describe a person who has given up, but one who is pinned by circumstances yet remains alive. It reminds us that our vulnerability is not the end of the story.
There is another side to this word in Hebrews 6:1. Here, it means to lay down a foundation. This shifts the focus from being pressed by chaos to building something stable on purpose. We are called to lay the groundwork of repentance and faith firmly, rather than constantly rebuilding what has already been placed. God is present in both the pressure we face and the solid ground we stand upon.
Whether you feel thrown to the ground by hardship or are working to establish your spiritual footing, this word offers a dual comfort. You are not destroyed by the weight of your struggles, and your faith has a deliberate, stable base. Rest in the truth that God holds both your vulnerability and your progress.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- laying1×
- being struck down1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταβαλλόμενοι2×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 4:9
pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed;
The passive form here vividly illustrates being pinned down by external pressures without being annihilated, highlighting human weakness amidst divine preservation.
-
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let’s press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God,
In the active voice, this word describes the intentional act of laying a solid foundation for faith, contrasting with the chaos of being cast about.