καταξιόω (kataxioō)
kataxioō
to consider worthy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataxioō means to consider someone worthy of a specific thing or status. It combines a prefix indicating intensity with a root related to value, creating a sense of deeming fit for honor or privilege. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, giving it a focused and significant presence in Scripture.
It typically takes an accusative object for the person deemed worthy and a genitive object for what they are considered worthy of receiving. This structure highlights that worthiness is not inherent but assigned by God’s judgment or grace. For instance, in Luke 20:35, Jesus speaks of those counted worthy to attain the resurrection from the dead, emphasizing divine approval rather than human merit.
Similarly, Acts 5:41 describes the apostles rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer disgrace for Jesus’ name. The word underscores a relational dynamic where God’s assessment confers dignity. Thessalonians 1:5 also uses it to show that the believers’ endurance proves their worthiness of the kingdom of God.
Translators often render kataxioō as "count worthy" or "deem fit," capturing its judicial nuance. The term reflects a theological reality where human value is established through divine recognition, particularly in contexts of suffering, resurrection, and eternal inheritance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that we are considered worthy, it is easy to assume this means we have earned the status through our own efforts. The Greek word kataxioō shifts that focus entirely. It suggests a divine assessment where God looks at us and declares us fit for something greater than we could achieve on our own. This is not about self-improvement but about receiving a gift of honor from Him.
In Luke 20:35, Jesus uses this term to describe those who will share in the resurrection. Here, worthiness is tied to eternal life, a privilege granted by God’s grace rather than human merit. Similarly, in Acts 5:41, the apostles rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for His name. Their joy came not from comfort, but from being included in Christ’s story, even through hardship.
This word reminds us that our value is secure because of how God sees us, not how we see ourselves. Whether you face trials or look forward to eternity, you are held by a judgment that counts you fit for His kingdom. Rest in the assurance that your standing before God is established by His gracious decision, giving you peace and hope in every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be accounted worthy1×
- they had been counted worthy1×
- having been considered worthy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατηξιώθησαν1×
- καταξιωθῆναι1×
- καταξιωθέντες1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 20:35
But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.
This verse uses kataxioō to define the recipients of resurrection life, showing that worthiness is a divine designation for eternal inheritance rather than a human achievement.
-
Acts 5:41
They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name.
Here the term highlights the apostles' joy in suffering, indicating that being counted worthy to share in Christ's disgrace was a privilege of intimate fellowship with Him.
-
II Thessalonians 1:5
This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of God’s Kingdom, for which you also suffer.
Paul links this word to God's righteous judgment, explaining that the believers' endurance serves as evidence that God has deemed them fit for His Kingdom.