κατακρημνίζω
katakrēmnízō
G2630 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To throw or cast down from a steep place; to precipitate (someone or something) from a cliff or precipice. The action typically implies causing a fall from a significant vertical height, often with the implication of causing harm or destruction. Also used figuratively for destroying decisively or casting aside forcefully.
Semantic Range
to throw down from a cliff, to precipitate from a steep place, to hurl headlong, to destroy by casting down from height, to cast aside forcefully (figurative)
Root / Etymology
Compound verb from κατά (kata, 'down, against') and κρημνός (krēmnós, 'steep place, precipice'), with the verbal suffix -ίζω indicating causative action. Thus, 'to cause to go down from a cliff' or 'to hurl down a steep place.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb κατακρημνίζω is not attested in classical Greek but appears in Hellenistic and later Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament. Its usage is rare and typically limited to accounts involving violent action, such as attempts to kill by throwing from a cliff (cf. Luke 4:29). In the New Testament, the term is used to describe the attempt to throw someone (often a person of importance) down a rocky precipice, signifying an action of hostility and intent to kill. The word is stronger than verbs for simple 'throwing' (e.g., βάλλω) or 'casting down' (καταβάλλω) and specifically involves a steep or dangerous slope. Standard English versions often translate as 'throw down headlong' or 'cast down headlong,' though the physical sense of 'from a cliff/precipice' is important to retain. In the Septuagint and later Greek, it carries the same violent, precipitous nuance. The verb contrasts with more general terms for casting down or destroying, which may not imply the specific scenario of throwing from considerable height.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and a derivative of κρημνός; to precipitate down:--cast down headlong.
Root Family
κατα-, κρημν- (katakrēmnízō) — to throw down, to hurl from a height, to cast over a precipice
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2630-01 |
κατακρημνίσαι | katakremnisai | V AOR ACT INF |
to throw down | to hurl down from a precipice | to hurl down from a precipice | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2630-01 |
Luke 4:29 | κατακρημνίσαι | katakremnisai | V AOR ACT INF |
to throw down | to hurl down from a precipice | to hurl down from a precipice |