καταφέρω (katapherō)
katapherō
to vote against
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katapherō literally means to bear or carry down. In classical usage it described physical force, such as being carried down by sleep or weight. The New Testament preserves this sense in Acts 20:9, where a young man named Eutychus is overcome by deep slumber and falls from a window during Paul’s long evening discourse.
More distinctively, the word appears in legal contexts within Acts to describe casting votes or bringing charges. In Acts 25:7, Jewish leaders bring down many serious accusations against Paul before Governor Festus. Similarly, in Acts 26:10, Paul recalls how he cast his vote (katapherō) to condemn believers in Jerusalem, using the imagery of dropping a stone into an urn to register a guilty verdict.
This dual usage highlights a shift from physical weight to judicial authority. The act of "bringing down" charges or votes implies a decisive, downward motion that seals a judgment. Translators often render it as "bring charges," "cast votes," or "overcome," depending on whether the context is legal or physical.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katapherō carries a heavy weight, literally meaning to carry down or bear heavily. In the New Testament, it describes moments where force becomes decisive. We see this in Acts 20:9, where Eutychus is overcome by sleep and falls from a window. Here, the word paints a picture of physical gravity taking hold, reminding us that our bodies are weak and subject to natural laws.
Yet the term also appears in legal settings, describing the act of casting a vote against someone or bringing formal charges. In Acts 25:7 and 26:10, we read about serious accusations being brought down against Paul and early believers. This usage highlights how words and votes can carry significant power to judge or condemn others.
For your faith life, this word invites reflection on how we use our influence. Whether in physical weakness or social judgment, God sees the heart behind every action. It encourages humility, knowing that even those who seem powerful are subject to God’s ultimate justice and mercy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- presenting1×
- overpowered1×
- having been overpowered1×
- I cast against [them]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατήνεγκα1×
- κατενεχθεὶς1×
- καταφέροντες1×
- καταφερόμενος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 20:9
A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third floor and was taken up dead.
This occurrence shows the physical sense of being weighed down by sleep, illustrating human vulnerability.
-
Acts 25:7
When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove,
Here the word describes bringing formal charges against Paul, highlighting the legal weight of accusations.
-
Acts 26:10
I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.
Paul uses this term to describe casting his vote to condemn believers, showing how personal conviction can lead to harsh judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does katapherō mean in the Bible?
Why is this word significant in Acts?
How is katapherō different from other words for accusing?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being…
Acts 25:7When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many and grievous…
Acts 26:10I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief…