καταπονέω (kataponeō)
kataponeō
to oppress
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataponeō describes a heavy, crushing burden imposed on someone else. It literally means to wear down through toil or suffering, capturing the physical and emotional exhaustion that results from relentless pressure. In the New Testament, it is used sparingly but with significant weight, appearing in only two verses to depict those who suffer under unjust treatment.
In Acts 7:24, Stephen uses the word to describe how the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites, portraying their slavery as a process of being worn out by harsh labor. Similarly, 2 Peter 2:7 refers to Lot as "righteous" because he was distressed by the lawless conduct around him, suggesting that kataponeō can also imply being mentally or morally exhausted by the evil actions of others. The prefix kata- intensifies the root word for work or pain, emphasizing the downward force of this oppression.
This term highlights the reality of suffering under unjust systems or people. It is not merely about difficulty but about being crushed by external forces. By using kataponeō, the biblical authors draw attention to the vulnerability of those who are oppressed and the moral responsibility of those in power. The word serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of injustice and the need for divine justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kataponeō paints a picture of being worn down, crushed under a weight that is not yours to carry. It describes the exhaustion that comes from unjust pressure, whether from oppressive systems or the chaotic behavior of others. When we see this term in Scripture, it reminds us that God sees the hidden fatigue of those who suffer silently.
In Acts, Stephen recalls how Israelites were oppressed by harsh labor, highlighting God’s eye for the vulnerable. In 2 Peter, Lot is described as being distressed by the lawless conduct around him, showing that moral corruption can also weigh heavily on a righteous heart. These passages assure us that our struggles are known and valued.
This word invites compassion. It calls us to recognize the burden others carry and to stand with them in love. Rather than ignoring the pain of those around us, we are encouraged to offer support and seek justice, reflecting the care of a God who notices every tear and every sigh.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being oppressed1×
- being distressed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταπονούμενον1×
- καταπονουμένῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 7:24
Seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him and avenged him who was oppressed, striking the Egyptian.
This verse uses the word to describe physical oppression through harsh labor, showing God's concern for those crushed by systemic injustice.
-
II Peter 2:7
and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked
Here the term illustrates moral distress, indicating that living among wickedness can exhaust a righteous person's spirit and conscience.