καταδουλόω (katadouloō)
katadouloō
to enslave
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katadouloō means to reduce someone to slavery or bring them into bondage. It is a strong term that goes beyond simple service, describing a state of complete subjugation where one person holds power over another as property. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both in letters written by the Apostle Paul.
Paul uses it to describe a spiritual danger rather than a physical condition. In 2 Corinthians 11:20, he expresses sorrow that the Corinthians allow themselves to be enslaved by those who exploit them. Similarly, in Galatians 2:4, he notes that false brothers sought to enslave believers to impose their own rules. The word highlights the loss of freedom that comes under oppressive control.
The prefix kata intensifies the root meaning of slavery, suggesting a thorough or crushing bondage. Translators typically render it as "enslave" or "bring into bondage." This usage serves as a warning against any authority that strips away personal liberty and imposes heavy burdens on others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katadouloō carries a heavy weight, describing a state of complete subjugation where one person holds power over another as property. It is not merely about serving or helping; it describes being reduced to slavery. In our daily lives, we might encounter relationships or systems that feel suffocating, demanding total control rather than mutual respect.
Paul used this strong term in 2 Corinthians 11:20 to warn the church against allowing others to exploit them. He saw how false teachings could strip away the freedom found in Christ, replacing it with oppressive rules. This reminds us that true spiritual liberty is precious and must be guarded carefully.
When we feel trapped by fear, guilt, or controlling people, remember that your worth comes from God alone. You are not meant to be a slave to anyone but Him. May you find comfort in the freedom Christ offers, knowing that His grace sets us free from every heavy burden.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they will enslave,1×
- enslaves,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταδουλώσουσιν,1×
- καταδουλοῖ,1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 11:20
For you bear with a man if he brings you into bondage, if he devours you, if he takes you captive, if he exalts himself, or if he strikes you on the face.
Paul uses this word to highlight the sorrow of believers tolerating those who exploit them and take them captive.
-
Galatians 2:4
This was because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who stole in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage,
The false brothers sought to use this method to spy out and impose their own rules on Christian liberty.