καταστρηνιάω (katastrēniaō)
katastrēniaō
to desire
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katastrēniaō describes a person who becomes wanton or gives in to loose, sexual desires. It appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 5:11, where Paul addresses younger widows. The context warns that if these women marry because they are overcome by such impulses, they risk being judged for breaking their previous pledge.
The word is built from a prefix meaning "against" or "down" and a root related to youthful lust or wantonness. This construction suggests an active surrender to impulse rather than a passive feeling. Translators typically render it as "wanton" or "desire," capturing the idea of losing self-control in a way that leads to inappropriate relationships.
Its singular usage highlights the specific pastoral concern of the early church regarding vows and conduct. Paul uses this strong term to emphasize the seriousness of maintaining one’s commitment, contrasting disciplined service with the chaos of unchecked desire. The word serves as a stark warning against allowing physical urges to dictate life choices.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katastrēniaō captures a moment where personal impulse begins to override spiritual commitment. In its single New Testament occurrence, it describes a state of restlessness that pulls attention away from devotion. This is not merely about feeling an emotion; it reflects an active turning toward something else when one has already pledged themselves to another cause.
For your daily walk, this serves as a quiet reminder to guard the boundaries you set with God. When distractions grow loud or new desires feel urgent, it helps to pause and remember your primary allegiance. Faithfulness often looks like saying no to good things so that you can say yes to what matters most.
May you find strength in keeping your promises, knowing that steady devotion brings peace even when temptations arise.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they may grow wanton against1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταστρηνιάσωσιν1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 5:11
But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,
This verse uniquely applies the term to widows whose growing restlessness leads them to break their previous pledge by seeking marriage.