καταδέω (katadeō)
katadeō
to bandage
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katadeō means to bind up or bandage a wound. It appears only once in the New Testament, in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:34). The Samaritan pours oil and wine on the injured man’s wounds and then binds them with strips of cloth, using this specific word to describe the physical act of securing bandages.
Its root combines kata (“down” or “completely”) with deō (“to bind”). This suggests a thorough, secure wrapping rather than a superficial covering. The lexicons note that the Septuagint often uses this Greek term to translate Hebrew words meaning to bind up injuries, linking it to a broader biblical theme of healing and restoration.
Translators typically render katadeō as “bandaged” or “bound up.” In Luke’s account, the word highlights the Samaritan’s careful, hands-on care. It moves beyond mere observation to active, practical compassion, showing how love is expressed through tangible service to those in pain.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katadeō describes a careful, thorough act of binding wounds. In Luke’s parable, the Good Samaritan does not simply offer sympathy from a distance. He stops to clean the injuries with oil and wine, then securely wraps them with cloth strips. This physical action shows that true compassion often involves getting involved in the messy, painful details of another person’s life.
When we face our own brokenness, this image reminds us that healing is a process. It requires patience, gentle care, and consistent attention. God’s love for us mirrors this attentive service. He does not ignore our wounds but meets us where we are, offering restoration through the practical means of community and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he bound up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατέδησεν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:34
came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
This verse captures the word’s meaning by showing the Samaritan actively securing bandages to stop bleeding and protect the injury, demonstrating love through tangible action.