καταλέγω (katalegō)
katalegō
to enrol
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katalegō means to enter names into a formal list or register. In classical Greek it often described enrolling soldiers, but in the New Testament it takes on an administrative sense within the early church. The word appears only once, in 1 Timothy 5:9, where Paul instructs Timothy regarding the care of widows.
Here, katalegō refers to placing a widow’s name on an official roll. This was not a casual decision but a formal recognition of her status and eligibility for church support. The act implies that she met specific criteria, such as being well-documented in good works and having no family to care for her.
The term highlights the organized nature of early Christian charity. It suggests that caring for vulnerable members involved structure and accountability, ensuring that resources were directed to those who truly needed them. This formal enrolment distinguished widows who served the community from others who might be in need but did not meet the established standards.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the early church, caring for those in need was not just an impulse but a structured practice. The word katalegō refers to the formal act of enrolling a widow’s name on an official list. This meant that support was carefully managed, ensuring resources reached those who truly needed them and met specific criteria. It reflects a community that valued order and accountability in its acts of kindness.
For your faith today, this word reminds us that love often takes practical shape. When we serve others, whether in our church or local community, doing so with care and structure helps ensure fairness and sustainability. It is not about exclusion but about wisdom—making sure help goes where it is needed most while maintaining the integrity of the group.
This approach honors both the dignity of those receiving aid and the responsibility of those providing it. By following such thoughtful practices, we reflect a God who cares deeply for every individual while also valuing the health of the whole community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- should ld be enrol1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταλεγέσθω1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 5:9
Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,
This verse uses katalegō to describe the formal process of enrolling widows, highlighting the church's structured approach to supporting vulnerable members.