κατάγνυμι (katagnumi)
katagnumi
to break
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katagnumi means to break something completely, often into pieces or fragments. It carries a sense of forceful destruction, suggesting that what is broken cannot be easily restored. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and John.
A key distinction lies in its intensity compared to similar words for breaking. While other verbs might describe a simple fracture or bending, katagnumi implies crushing or shattering. This forceful nature is evident in its usage, such as when describing the breaking of legs on the cross (John 19:31-33) or the metaphorical breaking of a bruised reed (Matthew 12:20).
The word’s root combines a prefix indicating downward motion with a base meaning to break. This etymology reinforces the idea of something being driven down or crushed under pressure. Translators typically render it as "break" or "broken," capturing the finality and severity of the action described in these specific biblical contexts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word katagnumi describes a forceful shattering, something broken so completely it cannot be easily restored. In John 19, soldiers used this violent act to ensure death on the cross, yet they did not break Jesus’ legs. This specific detail highlights His unique dignity and the fulfillment of Scripture, showing that even in suffering, God’s plan remains intact.
Matthew 12 uses the same word to describe how Jesus treats a bruised reed. He will not crush or shatter those who are weak or hurting. This offers deep comfort: your fragility does not invite destruction from Him. Instead of breaking what is already damaged, He gently restores it.
This contrast reveals the heart of Christ. He possesses the power to destroy, but He chooses mercy. When you feel fragile, you can trust that His strength is shown in His care for you, not in His force against you. His love preserves rather than crushes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they did break1×
- may be broken1×
- broke1×
- He will break1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατέαξαν2×
- κατεάξει1×
- κατεαγῶσιν1×
Key Verses
-
John 19:33
but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs.
This verse highlights the deliberate refusal to break Jesus' legs, fulfilling prophecy and affirming His death was complete without further violence.
-
Matthew 12:20
He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory.
Here the word describes Jesus' gentle nature, showing He will not crush those who are already weak or struggling in faith.
-
John 19:32
Therefore the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with him;
This occurrence shows the brutal efficiency of the soldiers breaking the legs of the other two criminals to hasten death.