καταπίπτω (G2667) — Greek Lexicon

καταπίπτω

katapíptō

G2667 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To fall down, to collapse to a lower position, either physically or metaphorically. Primary sense is to descend rapidly or suddenly from a higher to a lower place or state, often with force or as an indication of submission, fear, weakness, or calamity. Can refer to literally falling to the ground, as from standing or sitting, or metaphorically to the loss of position, power, or status.

Semantic Range

to fall down physically, to collapse to the ground, to prostrate oneself, to fall from power or status, to suffer ruin or calamity

Root / Etymology

From the preposition κατά (down, according to) and the verb πίπτω (to fall), forming a compound that intensifies the sense of falling by emphasizing directionality (downward).

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb καταπίπτω is comparatively rare in classical and Koine Greek, appearing mostly in composite or descriptive contexts. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is most often used to describe physical collapse or a sudden descent to the ground—by individuals in fear, submission, or as a result of weakness. The compound form intensifies the base meaning of πίπτω, with κατά denoting direction—'down.' Unlike πίπτω (to fall), which can be neutral, καταπίπτω usually stresses the direction or totality of the fall. It can be used metaphorically but much less frequently than literal uses. English translations usually render it as 'fall down,' but this can obscure nuances relating to collapse, prostration (as an expression of respect), or utter ruin in particular contexts. There is little distinction between usage in the Septuagint and New Testament, but the sense of physical collapse or reverential prostration is most prominent.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and πίπτω; to fall down:--fall (down).

Root Family

καταπίπτω (katapiptō) — to fall, to descend, to collapse

Root καταπίπτ- to fall, to descend, to collapse

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2667-02`	καταπίπτειν	katapiptein	`V PRS ACT INF`	fall down	to fall down	to fall down	1
`G2667-03`	κατέπεσεν	katepesen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	fell	fell down	fell down	1
`G2667-01`	καταπεσόντων	katapesonton	`V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M PL`	having fallen	of those having fallen down	of those having fallen down	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2667-03`	Luke 8:6	κατέπεσεν	katepesen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	fell	fell down	fell down
`G2667-01`	Acts 26:14	καταπεσόντων	katapesonton	`V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M PL`	having fallen	of those having fallen down	of those having fallen down
`G2667-02`	Acts 28:6	καταπίπτειν	katapiptein	`V PRS ACT INF`	fall down	to fall down	to fall down

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