πατέω (pateō)
pateō
to trample
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pateō means to tread or trample with the feet. In the New Testament, it appears in only five verses, primarily in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Revelation. Its core sense is physical pressure applied by walking heavily, often implying force or dominance rather than simple movement.
A key distinction lies in how this action is directed. In Luke 10:19, Jesus promises his followers authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, using the word to describe overcoming dangerous spiritual forces through successful engagement. Conversely, in Luke 21:24 and Revelation 11:2, it describes enemies trampling the holy city, conveying desecration and contempt for what is sacred.
Its most vivid usage occurs in Revelation 14:20 and 19:15, where a winepress is trodden. Here, the word emphasizes the crushing weight of judgment. The imagery connects back to Old Testament concepts of harvest and justice, where treading grapes symbolizes the execution of divine wrath against wickedness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word translated as "trample" in these verses carries a heavy weight, describing the forceful pressure of feet on the ground. In Luke 10:19, Jesus uses this imagery to promise His followers authority over dangerous spiritual forces. It is not a call to violence, but a reassurance that no harm can ultimately overcome those who walk in His protection. This offers deep comfort when facing unseen struggles or fear.
Conversely, the Gospels and Revelation also use this term to describe judgment and desecration. In Luke 21:24 and Revelation 11:2, Jerusalem is trampled by nations, highlighting the sorrow of sacred things being treated with contempt. Yet, even in these stark images of wrath, such as treading the winepress in Revelation 19:15, there is a clear assertion that God remains sovereign over history. These passages remind us that justice will prevail, and evil will not have the final word.
Understanding this word helps us see the dual nature of spiritual authority: protection for the faithful and judgment for the proud. It invites us to trust in Christ’s power to shield us while we wait for the day when all wrongs are set right. This perspective grounds our faith in the reality that God sees everything and acts with perfect justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was trodden1×
- trodden down1×
- treads1×
- to tread1×
- they will trample upon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπατήθη1×
- πατήσουσιν1×
- πατουμένη1×
- πατεῖν1×
- πατεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:19
Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.
This verse uniquely applies the word to spiritual authority, showing believers' protection from harm rather than destruction.
-
Luke 21:24
They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Here the term describes the historical suffering of Jerusalem, emphasizing the temporary nature of earthly oppression until God's purposes are fulfilled.
-
Revelation of John 19:15
Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.
This vivid image of treading the winepress signifies the final and complete execution of divine justice against wickedness.