καταπατέω

I trample under foot

Definition

The verb καταπατέω means to trample underfoot, conveying both a literal and a powerful metaphorical sense. Literally, it describes the physical act of trampling, as when seed is trampled on a path (Luke 8:5). Metaphorically, it signifies treating something with utter contempt, disregard, or profanation. This includes treating holy things as worthless (Matthew 7:6), losing one's effective witness (Matthew 5:13), or, most severely, showing contempt for the sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:29).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used five times in the New Testament, appearing in Gospels and one Epistle. In the Gospels, it illustrates parables and teachings: the trampled seed (Luke 8:5), the worthless salt (Matthew 5:13), and the warning against giving sacred things to those who will scorn them (Matthew 7:6). It also describes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, which spreads like yeast and will be exposed (Luke 12:1). Its most severe theological use is in Hebrews 10:29, describing the ultimate insult of treating Christ's blood as common.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'against,' combined with the verb πατέω (pateō), meaning 'to tread' or 'to step.' It is a compound verb that intensifies the base action to mean 'to tread down' completely. Cognates include πατήρ (patēr, 'father,' from the same PIE root for 'protector' or 'feeder') and ἔμπαιος (empaios, 'experienced,' from 'treading in'), though the connection is distant.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it depicts the ultimate rejection of God's grace. In Matthew 5:13, it warns believers against becoming spiritually ineffective. In Hebrews 10:29, it describes the horrifying sin of apostasy—treating the Son of God and the covenant in his blood with the contempt of being trampled underfoot. Understanding this strong imagery deepens the gravity of warnings against hardening one's heart toward sacred truth.

In an agrarian society, trampling seed or salt into the dirt rendered it completely useless and wasted—a vivid image of loss. Trampling on something also symbolized total defeat and domination, as a conqueror might literally walk over the vanquished. The act carried a strong connotation of deliberate disrespect and defilement, far stronger than simple neglect.

πατέω (pateō, G3961) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to tread' or 'walk,' without the intensive 'down' force. καταφρονέω (kataphroneō, G2706) — Means 'to despise, think down on,' focusing on the mental attitude of contempt rather than the physical/metaphorical act of trampling.

Word Details

Scripture References