καταστρώννυμι (katastrōnnumi)
katastrōnnumi
be thrown down
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katastrōnnumi describes the act of spreading something out over a surface, such as laying down bedding or covering the ground with material. Its basic sense involves strewing or spreading, creating a layer that covers what lies beneath.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in 1 Corinthians 10:5, where it carries a more severe meaning. Here, Paul uses it to describe God’s judgment on the Israelites in the wilderness, saying their bodies were "cast down" or laid low. In this context, the image shifts from simply spreading out to prostrating or overthrowing, indicating a decisive act of bringing someone down.
The word combines a prefix meaning "down" with a root related to spreading or strewing. This etymology helps explain its dual usage: it can refer to the gentle act of laying down a covering, or the forceful act of throwing something to the ground. Translators often render this single occurrence as "cast down," capturing the finality of the judgment described in the text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katastrōnnumi paints a vivid picture of being laid low. In its rare New Testament use, it describes bodies cast down in the wilderness as a consequence of disobedience. This image reminds us that our choices have real weight and consequences that extend beyond ourselves.
Yet this warning is not meant to frighten us into paralysis. Instead, it invites humility. Recognizing our need for God’s sustaining grace helps us walk carefully through life’s challenges. We are held by a love that corrects but never abandons those who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were strewn1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατεστρώθησαν1×
Key Verses
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I Corinthians 10:5
However with most of them, God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
This verse uses the word to describe the physical downfall of the Israelites, serving as a sobering historical example of divine judgment.