κατατίθημι (katatithēmi)
katatithēmi
to attain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katatithēmi literally means to lay down or deposit something, but in biblical usage it often carries a relational nuance. It describes the act of laying up favor with someone, essentially doing something to win goodwill or secure future support. This sense is distinct from a simple financial transaction; it implies building a relationship through a gesture that is intended to be reciprocated later.
This meaning appears clearly in the Book of Acts, where it describes political maneuvering rather than spiritual devotion. In Acts 24:27 and 25:9, the term is used to show how Felix and Festus acted to gain favor with the Jewish people or with Rome by making specific decisions about Paul’s imprisonment. The word highlights a calculated effort to secure advantage or approval through a deliberate act of kindness or concession.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katatithēmi describes a deliberate act of laying down something to secure favor or goodwill. In its biblical context, it often points to calculated efforts to win approval from others, as seen when Roman governors manipulated legal proceedings to please specific groups. This usage highlights how human actions can be driven by a desire for social advantage rather than genuine integrity.
For your faith life, this word serves as a quiet mirror. It invites you to examine the motives behind your own kindnesses and decisions. Are acts of service performed to build relationships with God, or are they subtle attempts to gain standing with people? The text challenges us to seek approval from the Father alone, freeing us from the exhausting need to manage others' opinions.
True favor is not won through political maneuvering but through a heart aligned with truth. When we rest in Christ’s acceptance, we no longer need to lay down favors to secure our place. This freedom allows for relationships built on honesty rather than hidden agendas, offering a peaceful foundation for daily living.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to lay,1×
- to acquire for himself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταθέσθαι,1×
- καταθέσθαι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 24:27
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.
This verse shows Felix using his judicial power to 'lay down' a concession, aiming to secure political goodwill with the Jewish leaders rather than delivering justice.
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Acts 25:9
But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and be judged by me there concerning these things?”
Here Festus repeats the same strategy, offering a procedural change to gain favor with the Jews, illustrating how the word describes calculated social maneuvering.