καταχέω
katachéō
G2708 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To pour down or pour out (a liquid or substance) in a downward motion, often with the nuance of profusely or completely pouring; can express overwhelming with liquid, as in flooding or deluging, or, more figuratively, the act of lavishing or dispensing something fully or without restraint. In biblical contexts, frequently used for pouring out liquid (water, oil, blood), especially in ritual, sacrificial, or judgment settings. Less commonly, can extend metaphorically to non-liquid concepts when the sense of overwhelming or abundance is implied.
Semantic Range
to pour down (liquid), to spill out, to flood, to bestow or dispense abundantly, to perform a libation or ritual pouring, to overwhelm with liquid or substance
Root / Etymology
From the preposition κατά ('down,' 'against') and the verb χέω ('to pour'). The compound intensifies the sense of direction (downward) or thoroughness of the action.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, καταχέω appears in prose and poetry to describe literally pouring down or over (as in water, rivers, or libations), with the prefix κατά providing emphasis for the downward motion. In the Septuagint (LXX), the verb often reflects Hebrew terms for pouring out (e.g., שָׁפַךְ, spilt, or נָסַךְ, to pour as in libation), used in the context of offerings, anointings, or divine wrath. The New Testament usage (cf. Acts 2:17–18 [citation with nearest cognate]) continues this tradition, particularly in describing God's Spirit being poured out. Standard English translations usually render it simply as 'pour,' but the Greek often includes a stronger sense of abundant, complete, or downward pouring that may be missed. Related to—but more intensive than—χέω ('to pour'), καταχέω should be distinguished from verbs such as ἐκχέω ('pour out,' commonly used for widespread or general distribution without the directional nuance of 'down').
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and cheo (to pour); to pour down (out):--pour.
Root Family
καταχέ- (katachéō) — to pour, to pour down, to cause to flow abundantly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2708-01 |
κατέχεεν | katecheen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
poured | poured down | poured | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2708-01 |
Matthew 26:7 | κατέχεεν | katecheen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
poured | poured down | poured down |
G2708-01 |
Mark 14:3 | κατέχεεν | katecheen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
poured | poured down | poured |