κατευλογέω (kateulogeō)
kateulogeō
to bless
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kateulogeō means to bless with intensity and thoroughness. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Mark 10:16, where Jesus places his hands on children and blesses them. The prefix kata suggests a downward or comprehensive action, implying that this blessing is not casual but deliberate and complete.
While the more common word for blessing is eulogeō, kateulogeō carries a sense of fervency. It describes a moment where divine favor is actively poured out. In this single instance, it highlights the depth of Jesus’ affection and the seriousness with which he receives the children, treating them as worthy of significant spiritual attention.
Translators typically render this simply as "blessed," but the unique word choice emphasizes the weight of the act. It is not a mere wish for good fortune but a powerful impartation of grace. This rare usage underscores the tangible nature of Jesus’ ministry, showing that his blessing was an active, forceful engagement with those he loved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we think of blessing, it is easy to picture a quick wish for good fortune. The Greek word kateulogeō changes that picture entirely. It appears only once in the New Testament, describing Jesus as He took children into His arms and laid hands on them. This was not a casual gesture or a distant prayer. It was a deliberate, thorough impartation of grace.
This rare verb shows us how deeply God values the vulnerable and the young. Jesus did not just speak words over them; He engaged with them physically and spiritually. His blessing was an active force, pouring favor into their lives with intentionality. For you, this reminds us that God’s care is personal and complete.
You do not have to earn this kind of attention. Jesus treated these children as worthy of significant spiritual focus. In your own life, you can trust that God sees you fully. He does not offer half-hearted blessings but gives His whole heart to those He loves. Rest in the knowledge that His favor toward you is real and lasting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he was greatly blessing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατευλόγει1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 10:16
He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
This is the sole occurrence of kateulogeō, where Jesus' physical act of laying hands on children demonstrates a comprehensive and intentional impartation of divine favor.