κατηχέω (katēcheō)
katēcheō
to instruct
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katēcheō means to instruct someone orally, often through repeated or thorough teaching. Its roots suggest a sound resonating toward or upon something, which evolved into the idea of informing by word of mouth. In the New Testament, it appears seven times, primarily in Acts and Paul’s letters, describing the process of being taught the Christian faith.
It is used to describe both the act of teaching and the state of being instructed. For example, Luke writes that he composed his account so Theophilus might know the certainty of the things he had been katēchēthē (Luke 1:4). Similarly, Paul notes that those taught in the word should share with their instructor (Galatians 6:6), and Apollos was accurately informed about Jesus (Acts 18:25).
This word carries a sense of foundational training. It is not merely casual conversation but a structured impartation of knowledge. The passive form, katēcheomai, appears frequently, emphasizing the learner’s reception of truth. Translators usually render it "instruct" or "teach," capturing its role in establishing believers in doctrine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word katēcheō describes a process of oral instruction that goes beyond casual conversation. It implies a structured impartation of knowledge, often through repetition, designed to establish believers in the truth of the faith. When you read that Theophilus was instructed so he might know the certainty of what he had learned (Luke 1:4), it highlights how this teaching was meant to provide a solid foundation for his understanding.
In your own life, this concept reminds us that spiritual growth often comes through consistent, faithful teaching. Paul notes in Galatians 6:6 that those who are taught should share with their instructor, showing that receiving instruction is part of a mutual community effort. This word suggests that we are not left to figure everything out alone; rather, we are guided by others who have received this same truth.
Whether you are studying Scripture in a group or learning from a mentor, katēcheō encourages you to value the process of being taught. It is a reminder that faith is built on what has been clearly communicated and understood. May you find comfort in knowing that God provides teachers and opportunities for instruction, helping you grow in confidence and clarity about His will.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you were instructed1×
- they have been informed1×
- teaching1×
- instructed1×
- being taught1×
- being instructed1×
- They have been informed1×
- I may instruct,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατηχούμενος2×
- κατήχηνται1×
- κατηχήσω,1×
- κατηχήθησαν1×
- κατηχήθης1×
- κατηχοῦντι1×
- κατηχημένος1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:4
that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.
This verse uses the passive form to show that Theophilus’s certainty was built upon the foundation of prior oral instruction.
-
Acts 18:25
This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John.
Apollos is described as having been instructed in the way of the Lord, which enabled him to speak accurately about Jesus despite his limited initial knowledge.
-
Galatians 6:6
But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.
Paul connects the act of being taught with the practical responsibility of sharing material blessings with the teacher, highlighting the relational aspect of instruction.