κατάγω

I lead down, bring down

Definition

The verb κατάγω means 'to lead down' or 'to bring down,' describing a movement from a higher to a lower place. In the New Testament, it is used both literally and in a transferred sense. Literally, it often refers to bringing someone down from a high location, such as lowering Paul from a city wall in a basket for his safety (Acts 9:30), or bringing a ship down to the coast or a harbor, as seen in the voyage narratives (Acts 21:3, 27:3). In a more figurative or procedural sense, it can mean to bring a person down to a lower place of judgment or assembly, such as bringing Paul down to the Jewish council (Acts 22:30, 23:15, 20, 28).

Biblical Usage

Κατάγω appears exclusively in Luke's writings (Luke and Acts), used 10 times. Its usage is almost entirely within narrative contexts of travel, danger, and legal proceedings. In Luke 5:11, it describes bringing boats down to the shore after the miraculous catch of fish. In Acts, it is frequently used in the context of Paul's journeys—either for safe passage (Acts 9:30, 21:3, 27:3) or in the plots and legal maneuvers of his opponents in Jerusalem, who seek to 'bring him down' to the council under false pretenses (Acts 23:15, 20, 28).

Etymology

Κατάγω is a compound verb formed from the preposition κατά (kata, meaning 'down') and the verb ἄγω (agō, meaning 'to lead' or 'to bring'). Its literal meaning, 'to lead down,' is straightforward from its components. Cognates include other verbs with ἄγω, such as ἀνάγω (anagō, 'to lead up') and εἰσάγω (eisagō, 'to lead into').

Semantic Range

While primarily a narrative verb of movement, κατάγω gains theological resonance in the story of Paul. His being 'brought down' from Damascus (Acts 9:30) marks a transition to safety and a new phase of ministry, illustrating divine providence in his escape. The repeated use in the plots against him in Jerusalem (Acts 23) highlights the human opposition to the gospel message he carried, setting the stage for his divinely ordained journey to Rome. It subtly underscores themes of God's guidance through peril and the fulfillment of mission despite adversity.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, travel by sea was common but perilous. 'Bringing down' a ship to shore (Acts 27:3) was a standard nautical term for making port. The act of lowering someone through a city wall in a basket (Acts 9:30) was a known method of clandestine escape when city gates were watched. The legal usage, bringing someone 'down' to a council, reflects the hierarchical spatial understanding of authority; one was literally brought down to the place of assembly and judgment.

καταβαίνω (katabainō, G2597) — emphasizes the act of going down oneself, descending; κατάγω focuses on leading or bringing someone/something else down. ἀνάγω (anagō, G321) — the direct opposite, meaning to lead up or set sail. καθίημι (kathiēmi, G2524) — specifically means to let down or lower, as with an object (e.g., the basket in Acts 9:25).

Word Details

Scripture References