κατευθύνω (kateuthunō)
kateuthunō
to guide
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kateuthunō means to guide or direct, carrying the specific sense of making a path straight. It combines a prefix implying thoroughness with a root meaning "straight," so it suggests removing obstacles to ensure clear, unobstructed progress. In Scripture, this word appears only three times, always in contexts where divine intervention is needed to steady human direction.
Its usage highlights God’s active role in shaping the course of events and hearts. Luke uses it to describe how God directs feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:79), while Paul prays for the Lord to direct believers’ hearts toward God’s love (2 Thessalonians 3:5) and to open a door for the message (1 Thessalonians 3:11). The word implies not just general guidance, but precise, purposeful alignment.
Translators often render it as "direct" or "guide," reflecting its focus on clear, intentional movement. Unlike broader terms for leading, kateuthunō emphasizes the removal of deviation, ensuring that the path remains true to its intended destination. This precision underscores the belief that divine guidance is both reliable and specific.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels like a maze with no clear exit, this word offers a quiet assurance. It describes a guidance that is thorough and precise, removing the obstacles that cause us to wander off course. We do not navigate by our own limited sight; instead, we rely on a direction that leads us straight toward peace.
In Luke 1:79, Zechariah speaks of being guided into the way of peace. This is not a vague suggestion but a firm path cleared for us. It reminds us that God’s guidance is active and intentional, shaping our steps even when we cannot see the destination clearly.
Paul’s prayers in Thessalonians show us how to live with this truth. He asks for hearts to be directed into love and perseverance. This means our inner life is just as important as our outer actions. We can trust that God is working to keep us steady, helping us stay focused on what truly matters.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- would direct2×
- to direct1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατευθύναι2×
- κατευθῦναι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:79
to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
This verse connects the act of being guided directly with entering a state of peace, showing that divine direction leads to rest.
-
I Thessalonians 3:11
Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.
Here the word is used for physical travel, asking God to clear the way so Paul can reach his friends without hindrance.
-
II Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and into the perseverance of Christ.
Paul applies this term to the heart, showing that God’s guidance is needed to keep our love and perseverance steady.