καταποντίζω (katapontizō)
katapontizō
to sink
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katapontizō describes the physical act of sinking or drowning in water, specifically within a maritime context. Its meaning is vividly captured in Matthew 14:30, where Peter begins to sink as he walks on the sea toward Jesus. The word conveys the sudden loss of buoyancy and the overwhelming force of the water, marking a moment of peril rather than a gentle submersion.
Etymologically, it combines a prefix indicating downward motion with a root related to depth or the sea. This linguistic structure emphasizes the finality of the descent. In Matthew 18:6, the passive form is used metaphorically to describe the severe consequence for anyone who causes a "little one" to stumble. Here, drowning serves as a stark image of spiritual ruin and divine judgment, illustrating the grave weight of leading others away from faith.
Translators typically render this word as "sink," "drown," or "plunge." The distinction lies in its intensity; it is not merely wetting feet but being consumed by the depths. This usage highlights the biblical theme that certain actions carry consequences as absolute and inescapable as sinking beneath the waves.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katapontizō paints a vivid picture of sudden, overwhelming descent. In Matthew 14:30, Peter begins to sink as he shifts his eyes from Jesus to the wind. This moment captures how fear can quickly replace faith, pulling us down when we focus on circumstances rather than Christ’s presence.
Yet this word also carries a profound promise of rescue. Peter did not remain under the waves; he cried out, and Jesus immediately reached for him. The image reminds us that even when we feel ourselves sinking, help is available in an instant. We are never beyond the reach of grace.
In Matthew 18:6, the term appears in a stern warning about causing others to stumble. Here, sinking represents the serious spiritual consequences of leading someone away from faith. This underscores the weight of our influence on others and the call to protect the vulnerable with care and humility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to sink1×
- he may be sunk1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταποντίζεσθαι1×
- καταποντισθῇ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 14:30
But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
This verse shows the word describing Peter’s physical descent into the sea as fear overcomes his faith.
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Matthew 18:6
but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge millstone were hung around his neck and that he were sunk in the depths of the sea.
Here the passive form illustrates the severe spiritual ruin associated with leading a believer astray.