καταδιώκω

I hunt down, follow closely

Definition

The verb καταδιώκω means to pursue or follow closely, often with a sense of urgency or intensity. It carries the nuance of 'hunting down' or 'following after' someone, typically to catch up with them. In its single New Testament occurrence in Mark 1:36, it describes Simon and his companions actively searching for and pursuing Jesus, who had gone off to a solitary place to pray. The prefix κατά (kata) intensifies the root verb, suggesting a determined, focused pursuit rather than a casual following.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Mark 1:36. In this context, Simon Peter and others 'hunted for' or 'closely pursued' Jesus after He had left early in the morning to pray alone. The usage highlights the disciples' earnest desire to locate Jesus and bring Him back, as people were looking for Him. It depicts a scene of active, intentional seeking in a narrative context.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down,' 'against,' or intensifying the action, and the root verb διώκω (diōkō, G1377), which means 'to pursue,' 'to persecute,' or 'to strive for.' Thus, καταδιώκω literally means 'to pursue down' or 'to chase after,' emphasizing a vigorous, directed pursuit. It shares its core idea with διώκω but with added intensity from the prefix.

Semantic Range

While used only once, this word offers a vivid picture of discipleship as active pursuit. The disciples' action in Mark 1:36 contrasts with Jesus' need for solitary prayer, subtly highlighting the tension between ministerial demands and spiritual sustenance. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by emphasizing the disciples' zeal and urgency in seeking Jesus, which can mirror the believer's own call to earnestly seek God (cf. Matthew 6:33).

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the imagery of 'pursuit' or 'hunting' was common in both literal and metaphorical senses. The term could be used for hunting animals, chasing enemies in battle, or diligently seeking a person or goal. This cultural backdrop makes the disciples' action in Mark 1:36 relatable as a determined, almost physical effort to find someone important, differing from a modern, more passive idea of 'looking for' someone.

διώκω (diōkō, G1377) — The root verb, meaning 'to pursue' or 'to persecute,' but without the intensive prefix; καταλαμβάνω (katalambanō, G2638) — means 'to seize,' 'to overtake,' or 'to comprehend,' focusing more on the result of catching; ζητέω (zēteō, G2212) — means 'to seek' or 'to inquire after,' a broader term for searching without the inherent sense of chase or pursuit.

Word Details

Scripture References