καταψύχω

katapsýchō

G2711 verb

SILEX Entry

Root ψυχ- to blow, to cool, to refresh

Definition

To cool, to make cool, primarily by fanning or blowing air, with the sense of providing physical relief from heat; in extended use, to refresh or revive by providing relief or comfort.

Semantic Range

to make cool, to provide relief from heat, to refresh (physically), to revive or restore well-being (figurative)

Root / Etymology

From the compound of κατα- (down, intensively) and ψύχω (to blow, to breathe, to cool).

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb καταψύχω appears infrequently in extant Greek literature, with the New Testament occurrence at Acts 27:34 referring to the act of taking nourishment to regain strength or physical well-being, metaphorically described as 'refreshment.' In classical Greek, ψύχω and related compounds denote physical cooling through a breeze or fanning. In Koine and Hellenistic usage, compounds with κατα- may intensify the action, thus καταψύχω can mean to thoroughly or significantly cool down. The metaphorical extension to broader senses of comfort or moral refreshment is rare but attested in some contexts. Standard English translations often render the term as 'refresh' or 'revive,' but the primary sense is physical cooling, with any figurative sense dependent on context. The verb is distinct from ἀναψύχω, which carries a broader figurative sense of psychological refreshment and encouragement.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and ψύχω; to cool down (off), i.e. refresh:--cool.

Root Family

καταψύχω (katapsychō) — to blow, to cool, to refresh

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2711-01 καταψύξῃ katapsuxe V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG cool may cool down 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2711-01 Luke 16:24 καταψύξῃ katapsuxe V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG cool may cool down