καταξιόω

I deem worthy

Definition

The verb καταξιόω means 'to deem worthy,' 'to consider deserving,' or 'to judge as fit.' It carries the sense of a formal or authoritative judgment that someone or something has met a standard of worthiness. In Luke 20:35, it describes those who are 'considered worthy' to attain the resurrection and the age to come. In Luke 21:36, it is used in an exhortation to pray to be 'counted worthy' to escape future tribulation. In Acts 5:41, the apostles rejoice at being 'counted worthy' to suffer dishonor for Jesus's name, and in 2 Thessalonians 1:5, it describes believers being 'counted worthy' of the kingdom of God for which they are suffering.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used four times in the New Testament, exclusively in Luke-Acts and Paul's letters. It consistently appears in contexts of divine evaluation or judgment. In Luke's writings (Luke 20:35, 21:36; Acts 5:41), it relates to being deemed worthy by God for a future destiny (the resurrection, escape from judgment) or for present honor in suffering. Paul uses it in 2 Thessalonians 1:5 to affirm that the believers' endurance through persecution is evidence God judges them worthy of his kingdom. The pattern is passive or divine passive, emphasizing God as the one who does the 'counting worthy.'

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition κατά (kata), often intensifying the meaning as 'thoroughly' or 'down to the standard of,' and the verb ἀξιόω (axioō, G515), meaning 'to consider worthy,' from the root ἄξιος (axios, G514), meaning 'worthy, deserving.' Thus, καταξιόω intensifies the idea of making a definitive judgment of worthiness against a specific standard.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the divine perspective on human faithfulness. It connects human endurance, particularly in persecution (Acts 5:41; 2 Thessalonians 1:5), with God's sovereign judgment of worthiness for his kingdom and future glory. It underscores that worthiness is not an inherent human quality but a status conferred by God's evaluation. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing that the Christian's 'worthiness' is always a gracious verdict from God, often related to faithfulness through trial, not a self-attained merit.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of being 'deemed worthy' was often tied to honor, public recognition, and meeting civic or social standards. The New Testament repurposes this language for a spiritual context, where the ultimate honor is bestowed by God, not human society. The apostles' joy in being 'counted worthy' to suffer shame (Acts 5:41) directly subverts the cultural expectation that honor avoids public disgrace.

ἀξιόω (axioō, G515) — The simpler base verb meaning 'to consider worthy,' without the intensive prefix. δοκιμάζω (dokimazō, G1381) — Means 'to test, approve'; focuses on the process of testing to prove genuineness, while καταξιόω focuses on the resulting verdict of worthiness.

Word Details

Scripture References