κάτω (katō)
katō
under
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb katō simply means "down" or "below," describing physical position or downward motion. In the Gospels, it often appears in vivid scenes where direction matters, such as when Jesus is thrown down from the pinnacle of the temple (Matthew 4:6) or when the curtain of the temple tears from top to bottom (Mark 15:38). Its usage is straightforward, grounding spiritual events in tangible, earthly space.
It also marks a contrast between realms. In John 8:23, Jesus tells his opponents that he is "from above" while they are "from below," using katō to distinguish their earthly origin from his divine source. This spatial language helps readers visualize the separation between heavenly truth and human perspective, making abstract theological concepts concrete through simple directional terms.
Translators typically render katō as "down," "below," or "under," depending on context. The word rarely carries metaphorical weight beyond this spatial distinction, serving instead as a clear marker of location or movement. Its presence in Acts and the Gospels reinforces the physical reality of biblical narratives, reminding readers that divine actions often intersect with the material world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word katō simply means 'below' or 'under.' It is a straightforward term used to describe physical position or downward movement. In the Gospels, it often grounds spiritual events in tangible reality. For instance, when Jesus speaks of being from above while his opponents are from below, the word highlights a clear distinction between divine truth and earthly perspective.
This spatial language helps us visualize the separation between heavenly origins and human experience. It reminds readers that divine actions intersect with the material world. Whether describing the temple veil tearing from top to bottom or Peter standing in a courtyard below, katō anchors our faith in real history. These details show that God works within our physical reality, not apart from it.
Understanding this word can deepen your appreciation for the biblical narrative's concreteness. It invites you to see how spiritual truths are expressed through simple, observable directions. This clarity helps us trust that God's word is both heavenly in origin and accessible in its expression.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- down;2×
- down2×
- below2×
- bottom.1×
- bottom1×
- below,1×
- being stooped low1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κάτω5×
- κάτω·2×
- κάτω.1×
- κάτω,1×
- κατακύψας1×
Key Verses
-
John 8:23
He said to them, “You are from beneath. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world.
This verse uses katō to contrast Jesus' divine origin with the earthly nature of his opponents, establishing a key theological distinction.
-
Mark 15:38
The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.
The tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom signifies a complete opening of access to God, marked by this downward motion.
-
Matthew 4:6
and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’”
Here, Satan challenges Jesus to throw himself down, using the word to emphasize the physical danger and divine protection involved.