καταπατέω (katapateō)
katapateō
to trample
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katapateō describes the physical act of treading down or crushing something underfoot. In the Gospels, it appears in vivid images of waste and neglect: Jesus warns against casting pearls before swine so they do not trample them (Matthew 7:6), and he uses the same word to describe seed that falls among thorns and is choked out (Luke 8:5). The term conveys a heavy, destructive pressure that ruins what it touches.
Its meaning extends beyond physical damage into spiritual insult. In Hebrews 10:29, the author warns against treating the Son of God with contempt, using this word to describe those who trample the blood of the covenant. Here, the imagery shifts from crushing plants or jewels to violating something sacred through deliberate disregard. The prefix kata intensifies the action, suggesting a thorough and forceful treading.
Translators typically render this as "trample" or "tread underfoot," preserving the visceral nature of the Greek. The word carries a sense of finality; once something is trampled, it is often destroyed or rendered useless. This usage highlights the seriousness of treating holy things with casual disrespect, a theme that resonates throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katapateō paints a stark picture of things being crushed underfoot. In Matthew 7:6, Jesus uses this image to warn against offering what is sacred to those who will only trample it. This teaches us to value spiritual truths and not waste them on hearts that are closed or hostile. It is a call to wisdom in sharing our faith.
Hebrews 10:29 takes this further, describing the grave danger of treating Christ’s sacrifice with casual disregard. To trample the blood of the covenant is to insult the very source of grace. This reminds us that God’s gifts are not to be taken lightly or treated as common.
Yet, this warning also highlights the preciousness of what we have in Christ. We are invited to hold these truths dear and share them with those who will receive them with gratitude. Let us cherish the gift of salvation and treat it with the reverence it deserves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to trample upon1×
- they will trample upon1×
- it was trampled upon,1×
- is to be trampled upon1×
- having trampled upon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατεπατήθη,1×
- καταπατήσουσιν1×
- καταπατήσας1×
- καταπατεῖσθαι1×
- καταπατεῖν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 7:6
“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
This verse uses the word to illustrate the futility of sharing holy truths with those who will only destroy them.
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Hebrews 10:29
How much worse punishment do you think he will be judged worthy of who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
Here the term describes the severe spiritual insult of treating Christ’s sacrifice as unholy or common.
-
Luke 8:5
“The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the birds of the sky devoured it.
The word depicts seed being crushed by foot traffic, showing how external pressures can stifle initial growth.