καταδέω

I bind up

Definition

The verb καταδέω means 'to bind up' or 'to bandage.' It specifically denotes the act of wrapping or tying something securely, often in a medical context of dressing wounds. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 10:34, it describes the compassionate action of the Good Samaritan who 'bound up' the wounds of the injured man. The prefix κατά can intensify the sense, implying a thorough or complete binding. While the core meaning is physical, the action carries significant metaphorical weight in the narrative of care and mercy.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 10:34, within the parable of the Good Samaritan. It describes a concrete, practical act of mercy—the Samaritan tending to the wounds of the robbed and beaten man by pouring on oil and wine and 'binding them up.' Its usage is entirely narrative and descriptive, highlighting a key step in the physical rescue and restoration of the victim. No other patterns or contextual variations exist due to its single occurrence.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'thoroughly,' and the primary verb δέω (deō), meaning 'to bind' or 'to tie.' The prefix intensifies the root action, conveying the idea of binding something up securely or completely. Cognates include δεσμός (desmos, G1199) for 'a bond' or 'chain,' showing the root's connection to concepts of binding and restraint.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, καταδέω is theologically significant as it depicts a tangible, merciful response to human suffering, central to Jesus's teaching on loving one's neighbor. It enriches the reading of Luke 10:34 by emphasizing the active, costly compassion required of Christ's followers—a compassion that moves beyond feeling to practical, healing intervention. This act prefigures the ultimate healing and restoration offered by Christ, who 'binds up the brokenhearted' (Isaiah 61:1, cf. Luke 4:18).

In the first-century cultural context, binding wounds was a basic but vital form of first aid. Travelers like the Samaritan might carry oil (as a soothing agent) and wine (as a rudimentary antiseptic) for such purposes. The act signifies not only medical care but also a commitment of time and resources, crossing social and ethnic boundaries (Jew/Samaritan) in a way that would have been striking to Jesus's original audience. It transforms a common practice into a powerful parable of unexpected mercy.

δέω (deō, G1210) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to bind' or 'tie,' without the intensive prefix. περιδέω (perideō, G4019) — Means 'to bind around,' used for wrapping cloths (e.g., John 11:44).

Word Details

Scripture References