κατέχω (katechō)
katechō
to hold back/fast
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katechō carries the fundamental sense of holding something fast or keeping it secure. It is a perfective form of echō, meaning "to have," but with added intensity. In the New Testament, it often describes maintaining possession of faith or truth with firmness. For instance, Hebrews urges believers to hold fast their confession of hope (Hebrews 10:23) and to consider themselves dead to sin while alive in Christ (Romans 6:11).
Beyond mere possession, the word frequently implies restraint or detention. It can mean to hold someone back from leaving or to hinder progress. Paul uses this sense when he writes of being detained from visiting the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:18) and refers to the restraining force that keeps lawlessness at bay (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). In Acts, it even describes sailors holding a ship steady against the wind (Acts 27:40).
This dual nuance—holding on firmly while also holding back opposition—gives katechō its distinctive weight. It is not passive ownership but active, determined retention. Translators typically render it as "hold fast," "restrain," or "detain" depending on context. The word emphasizes stability and control, whether in spiritual commitment or physical movement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katechō invites us to consider how we hold onto what matters most in life. It is not merely about having something, but actively keeping it secure against forces that try to pull us away. In a world full of distractions and shifting opinions, this active retention becomes an act of faithfulness. We are called to grip the truth of God’s promises with both hands, refusing to let go even when circumstances feel uncertain.
This holding is not passive. It requires intentionality, like sailors securing a ship in a storm or believers maintaining their hope despite trials. When we hold fast to Christ and His teachings, we find stability that does not depend on our own strength but on the faithfulness of God. This secure grip allows us to remain steady, producing fruit that lasts through seasons of change.
Ultimately, katechō reminds us that our spiritual life is a continuous act of holding on. We do not earn this security by our efforts alone, but we are invited to rest in the One who holds us. As you face challenges today, remember that you are not left to drift; you are called to hold fast to the hope found in Jesus.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you hold fast,1×
- you are keeping.1×
- were detaining1×
- we were bound,1×
- we shall hold;1×
- we may hold.1×
- to take.1×
- to keep,1×
- they were making1×
- suppressing,1×
- restraining [it]1×
- possessing.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατεῖχον2×
- κατέχων1×
- κατέχωμεν1×
- κατέχουσιν1×
- κατέχοντες.¶1×
- κατέχοντες,1×
- κατέχον1×
- κατέχετε·1×
- κατέχετε.¶1×
- κατέχετε,1×
- κατέχειν.1×
- κατέχειν,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 8:15
Those in the good ground, these are those who with an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and produce fruit with perseverance.
This verse illustrates the productive nature of holding the word tightly, showing that true retention leads to enduring fruit.
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Hebrews 10:23
let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.
Here the command to hold fast is grounded in God's faithfulness, linking our steadfastness to His reliability.
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II Thessalonians 2:6
Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.
This occurrence shifts the focus to a restraining force, highlighting how divine power holds back chaos until the proper time.
-
I Corinthians 15:2
by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
Paul warns that salvation is connected to holding firmly to the gospel message he preached, emphasizing its central importance.
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Luke 4:42
When it was day, he departed and went into an uninhabited place and the multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and held on to him, so that he wouldn’t go away from them.
This narrative example shows people physically trying to keep Jesus from leaving, demonstrating a desperate desire for His presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word katechō mean in the New Testament?
How is katechō different from the word echō?
Where does katechō appear in the Bible?
Why is holding fast important in Christian faith?
Every Occurrence (18 verses across 10 books)
Luke 3 verses
When it was day, he departed and went into an uninhabited place and the multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and…
Luke 8:15Those in the good ground, these are those who with an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly,…
Luke 14:9and he who invited both of you would come and tell you, ‘Make room for this person.’ Then you would begin, with shame,…