καταβολή (katabolē)
katabolē
beginning
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun katabolē literally means "a laying down" or "depositing." Its root verb describes the act of casting something down into a place, which gives the word its concrete sense of origin. In Scripture, it most frequently appears in phrases like "from the foundation of the world," pointing to a definitive starting point in history or eternity.
This term carries two distinct nuances depending on context. In Matthew 13:35 and Revelation 13:8, it refers to the founding of the cosmos, marking the beginning of creation’s order. However, in Hebrews 11:11, it takes a biological meaning, describing the "laying down" of seed in conception. This shift shows how the word anchors abstract concepts like eternity or election in physical reality.
Translators typically render it as "foundation" or "beginning," but the underlying image is always one of placement. Whether referring to the world’s start or the moment of life’s inception, katabolē emphasizes that something has been firmly established at a specific point in time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katabolē paints a vivid picture of God’s eternal plan. It describes the 'laying down' of something foundational, much like setting the cornerstone of a building or placing seed in the ground. When Scripture speaks of the 'foundation of the world,' it points to a time before history began, where God’s purposes were already established. This reminds us that our lives are not accidents but part of a deliberate design rooted in His love.
In passages like Ephesians 1:4, we see this concept applied to our election. We were chosen in Christ before the world started, which offers deep comfort. It means our identity is secure, not based on fleeting circumstances but on God’s unchanging decision. This ancient act of 'laying down' a plan assures us that we are known and valued from the very start.
Even when the word shifts to biological origins, as in Hebrews 11:11 with Sarah’s conception, it reinforces the theme of purposeful creation. Life itself is a deliberate placement by God. Whether reflecting on the cosmos or our own beginnings, this word invites us to trust in the One who laid the foundation with wisdom and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] foundation8×
- foundation1×
- [the] founding1×
- [the] conception1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταβολῆς10×
- καταβολὴν1×
Key Verses
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Ephesians 1:4
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love,
This verse highlights the theological weight of election, showing that God’s choice of believers was established before time began.
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John 17:24
Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Jesus reveals the intimate bond between the Father and Son, grounded in a love that existed prior to creation.
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Hebrews 11:11
By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised.
Here the word shifts to human conception, illustrating how God’s power initiates life even when natural possibilities seem exhausted.
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Revelation of John 13:8
All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed.
The Lamb’s book of life is linked to the world’s foundation, emphasizing the eternal security of those written in it.