καταναρκάω
katanarkáō
G2655 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To weigh down, to be burdensome (primarily to another person) in the sense of causing difficulty, trouble, or hardship through one's demands or presence; in later and metaphorical usage, can carry a sense of causing 'numbness' or a dulling effect. In the New Testament, used particularly for making oneself a financial or material burden upon someone else, often with the implication of deliberate avoidance of such behavior.
Semantic Range
to become numb or torpid, to cause numbness or heaviness, to be a burden, to impose a burden (financially or otherwise), to trouble or press heavily upon
Root / Etymology
From the preposition κατά (down, according to, thoroughly) and ναρκάω (to be numbed, to become stiff, to be torpid), ultimately from ναρκέω/ναρκάω (to benumb), related to the noun νάρκη (numbness, torpor; also a species of electric ray or torpedo fish). Thus, καταναρκάω carries the nuance of causing a state of numbness or heaviness, transferred metaphorically to causing burdensomeness.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested very rarely in Greek literature; primarily found in later (Hellenistic and Koine) Greek. Paul uses the verb in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 11:9; 12:13, 14) to describe the act of being or becoming a material or financial burden to others, in contrast to receiving support. The semantic domain overlaps with verbs like βαρέω (to weigh down), but καταναρκάω emphasizes the dulling, numbing, or deadening effect one has upon another—whether emotional, economic, or social. While most English versions render the term as 'be burdensome' or 'be a financial burden,' the underlying metaphor draws on the Greek sense of causing numbness or heaviness. The sense of 'expensive' or 'costly' arises contextually from the associated burden, not as a primary lexical meaning. Not found in the Septuagint or other significant Greek texts; usage in secular contexts is extremely rare, making New Testament usage distinctive.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and (to be numb); to grow utterly torpid, i.e. (by implication) slothful (figuratively, expensive):--be burdensome (chargeable).
Root Family
καταναρκάω (katanarkaō) — to be numb, to grow torpid, to be burdensome, to weigh down
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2655-02 |
κατενάρκησα | katenarkesa | V AOR ACT IND 1P SG |
I burdened | 2 | |
G2655-01 |
καταναρκήσω | katanarkeso | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
I will be burdensome | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2655-02 |
2 Corinthians 11:9 | κατενάρκησα | katenarkesa | V AOR ACT IND 1P SG |
I burdened | |
G2655-02 |
2 Corinthians 12:13 | κατενάρκησα | katenarkesa | V AOR ACT IND 1P SG |
I burdened | |
G2655-01 |
2 Corinthians 12:14 | καταναρκήσω | katanarkeso | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
I will be burdensome |