καταβιβάζω
katabibázō
G2601
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cause to move or lead downward, to bring down (literally or figuratively). Used of causing someone or something to descend from a higher to a lower place—physically lowering or compelling to go down; can also carry the sense of forcefully bringing down, including the act of casting or thrusting downward. In narrative contexts, can imply either physical movement or a figurative lowering, such as bringing someone down in status or position.
Semantic Range
to cause to go down, to lower, to bring down, to force down, to let down, to precipitate, to thrust or cast down
Root / Etymology
From the preposition κατά (down, according to) and a verb formed from the base βίβαζω (to cause to go, to bring), itself related to the noun βάσις (a going, a stepping, a step). The formation is causative and directional, emphasizing downward movement. The etymology reflects a compositional structure common in Koine Greek for creating verbs of motion or action with specified direction.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Hellenistic and Koine sources, the verb καταβιβάζω is not frequent in the New Testament but appears in narrative passages to describe causing someone or something to descend or be brought down, often with an implication of deliberate or sometimes forcible action. In the Septuagint and other Koine texts, context determines whether the sense is simply to lower physically (such as letting down on a rope or lowering from a structure) or more forceful (such as casting down someone). English translations often use 'bring down,' 'let down,' or 'lower,' but sometimes choose 'thrust down' or 'cast down' for more forceful actions. The term stands in some contrast to ἀναβιβάζω (to bring up), its antonymic counterpart. While the element of force is context-dependent, the verb primarily functions as a causative of movement down from a higher to a lower position.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and a derivative of the base of βάσις; to cause to go down, i.e. precipitate:--bring (thrust) down.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.