καταφέρω
kataphérō
G2702 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To bring or bear down (physically or metaphorically); to cause to descend, fall, or be overcome. In context, it most often refers to exerting force downward (e.g., falling, being overcome by sleep, or casting something down). Figuratively, it may indicate succumbing to a condition (such as drowsiness) or rendering a judgment (such as casting a vote).
Semantic Range
to bring or bear down, to (physically) cause something to descend, to fall (oneself or another), to be overcome (as by sleep or emotion), to cast a vote, to overwhelm or subdue, to sink down
Root / Etymology
Compound of κατά (down) and φέρω (to bear, to carry). The prefix adds the sense of downward motion or direction.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, καταφέρω commonly means to bring or carry down with force, such as letting an object fall or even causing ruin or destruction. In Koine Greek, especially in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 20:9), it often refers specifically to being overcome by sleep or drowsiness, as if sleep 'descends' forcibly. Elsewhere, such as in civic or legal contexts, it can refer to casting a vote (bringing a pebble down into an urn or ballot). English translations like 'fall,' 'sink down,' and 'overcome' capture some core senses but may miss the physicality of 'bearing down' or the technical usage in voting. The word retains a connection to decisive or forceful descent, whether literal (an object or person) or metaphorical (a state like sleep or a judicial action). Contrast with φέρω (to bear, carry, bring more generally), where καταφέρω always includes a directional/'downward' nuance. The idiomatic 'to be overcome by sleep' reflects a metaphorical extension of being 'carried down.' Usage in Septuagint is consistent with classical meaning; in later Koine, figurative senses (such as drowsiness) become more prominent.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and φέρω (including its alternate); to bear down, i.e. (figuratively) overcome (with drowsiness); specially, to cast a vote:--fall, give, sink down.
Root Family
καταφέρω (katapherō) — bring down, carry down, fall, bear down
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2702-03 |
κατενεχθεὶς | katenechtheis | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG |
overcome | having been brought down | being overcome | 1 |
G2702-04 |
κατήνεγκα | katenegka | V AOR ACT IND 1P SG |
I gave | I brought down | I gave | 1 |
G2702-01 |
καταφερόμενος | katapheromenos | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M SG |
being overcome | being borne down | being overcome | 1 |
G2702-02 |
καταφέροντες | katapherontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
bringing | bringing down | bringing | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2702-01 |
Acts 20:9 | καταφερόμενος | katapheromenos | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M SG |
being overcome | being borne down | being overcome |
G2702-03 |
Acts 20:9 | κατενεχθεὶς | katenechtheis | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG |
overcome | having been brought down | being overcome |
G2702-02 |
Acts 25:7 | καταφέροντες | katapherontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
bringing | bringing down | bringing |
G2702-04 |
Acts 26:10 | κατήνεγκα | katenegka | V AOR ACT IND 1P SG |
I gave | I brought down | I gave |