καταξιόω
kataxióō
G2661 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To consider or judge worthy, to deem deserving or fit (of an honor, privilege, fate, or experience), often with an added sense of being granted or allowed to participate in a significant event as a result. The primary meaning is to reckon as worthy; contextually, it ranges from granting an honor, allotting a position or privilege, to allowing or permitting someone to experience or participate in something regarded as significant or honorable.
Semantic Range
to consider worthy, to deem deserving, to account worthy, to be permitted or allowed as worthy, to regard as fit for (an honor, privilege, experience), to be judged deserving after consideration
Root / Etymology
From the prepositional prefix κατά ('down, according to, completely') and the verb ἀξιόω ('to think worthy, to deem fitting'). The compound intensifies or specifies the action of considering worthy.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, the simplex ἀξιόω refers generally to considering worthy or appropriate, either as an internal judgment or as spoken. The compound καταξιόω is more specific to bestowing a status or allowing participation, with the prepositional prefix adding force ('wholly/really worthy') or introducing the idea of actualization. In the Hellenistic and especially New Testament period, καταξιόω commonly appears in religious or ceremonial contexts, such as being 'counted worthy' to share in a particular event (e.g., persecution, resurrection, or seeing God's kingdom), often implying a verdict or acknowledgment rather than a subjective opinion. In the Septuagint, it is rare, usually rendering Hebrew terms about being given privilege or standing. English translations such as 'count worthy' or 'deem deserving' reflect the main sense, but sometimes underplay the contextual force of being granted or allowed entry, status, or experience. The usage contrasts with διχάζω (to divide/separate) which emphasizes separation, whereas καταξιόω emphasizes inclusion or acceptance based on worthiness. In some cases, the word also implies being considered fit after scrutiny or judgment.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and ἀξιόω; to deem entirely deserving:--(ac-)count worthy.
Root Family
καταξιόω (kataxioō) — to deem worthy, to judge deserving, to reckon fit
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2661-03 |
κατηξιώθησαν | katexiothesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
they were counted worthy | they were deemed worthy | 1 |
G2661-01 |
καταξιωθῆναι | kataxiothenai | V AOR PASS INF |
be counted worthy | to be deemed worthy | 1 |
G2661-02 |
καταξιωθέντες | kataxiothentes | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
who shall be accounted worthy | having been deemed worthy | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2661-02 |
Luke 20:35 | καταξιωθέντες | kataxiothentes | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
who shall be accounted worthy | having been deemed worthy |
G2661-03 |
Acts 5:41 | κατηξιώθησαν | katexiothesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
they were counted worthy | they were deemed worthy |
G2661-01 |
2 Thessalonians 1:5 | καταξιωθῆναι | kataxiothenai | V AOR PASS INF |
be counted worthy | to be deemed worthy |