κατατίθημι

I lay down, deposit

Definition

The verb κατατίθημι means 'to lay down' or 'to deposit' something, often with a sense of deliberate placement. In its two New Testament occurrences, it carries distinct nuances. In Mark 15:46, it is used in its basic, literal sense: Joseph of Arimathea 'laid' the body of Jesus in a tomb, describing a physical act of depositing. In Acts 25:9, the middle voice form (καταθέσθαι) is used figuratively by Festus, who asks Paul if he wishes to 'deposit a favor' or 'seek a favor' by having his case heard in Jerusalem, implying a transaction of goodwill or obligation.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two different contexts that illustrate its range. The literal usage appears in the Gospel of Mark (15:46) in the narrative of Jesus' burial. The figurative, middle voice usage appears in Acts (25:9) within a legal/political dialogue, where Festus uses it to describe currying favor or arranging a beneficial legal proceeding. This shows the word could move from concrete action to social or political negotiation.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'against,' combined with the common verb τίθημι (tithēmi), meaning 'to put' or 'to place.' The compound thus intensifies or specifies the act of placing as 'laying down' or 'depositing.' Its meaning developed from the physical act to include the metaphorical 'depositing' of favors or obligations in social exchanges.

Semantic Range

While not a central theological term, its usage in Mark 15:46 is theologically significant as it describes the definitive, tender act of laying Jesus' body in the tomb, a crucial moment in the narrative of Christ's death and burial. In Acts 25:9, it highlights the political maneuvering surrounding Paul's imprisonment, contrasting human schemes for favor with divine providence in his mission. Understanding the middle voice in Acts enriches the reading by showing the cultural expectation of reciprocal obligation.

The middle voice usage in Acts 25:9 reflects the Greco-Roman cultural practice of patronage and reciprocity, where doing a favor (χάρις, charis) created a debt of obligation. 'Depositing a favor' was a social investment expected to yield a return. This differs from a modern, more disinterested understanding of kindness.

τίθημι (tithēmi, G5087) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to put' or 'place,' without the 'down' emphasis. ἀποτίθημι (apotithēmi, G659) — Means 'to put away' or 'lay aside,' often used metaphorically (e.g., putting off old self). παρατίθημι (paratithēmi, G3908) — Means 'to set before' or 'commend,' used for serving food or entrusting teaching.

Word Details

Scripture References