καθίημι

I let down

Definition

The verb καθίημι means 'to let down,' 'to lower,' or 'to send down.' In its four New Testament occurrences, it consistently describes the physical action of lowering an object from a higher to a lower position. In Luke 5:19, it refers to lowering a paralyzed man through a roof to bring him to Jesus. In Acts 9:25 and 2 Corinthians 11:33 (where Paul recounts the same event), it describes lowering Paul in a basket to escape Damascus. In Acts 10:11 and 11:5, it depicts the great sheet being lowered from heaven in Peter's vision.

Biblical Usage

Καθίημι is used exclusively in narrative contexts describing dramatic, physical lowering. It appears in Luke's writings (Gospel of Luke and Acts) and is referenced by Paul. Each instance involves a significant, purposeful act: facilitating a healing (Luke 5:19), enabling an escape (Acts 9:25), and conveying a divine vision (Acts 10:11). The word highlights intentional movement from a place of inaccessibility or safety to a point of need or revelation.

Etymology

Καθίημι is a compound verb from κατά (kata, 'down') and ἵημι (hiēmi, 'to send, to let go'). Its literal meaning is 'to send down.' It is a relatively rare verb in the New Testament, with its simple root ἵημι appearing more frequently in various forms.

Semantic Range

While a verb of physical action, καθίημι is used in theologically significant narratives. It illustrates God's initiative in bridging the gap between heaven and earth, as seen in Peter's vision (Acts 10:11), which signaled the inclusion of the Gentiles. It also depicts human ingenuity and faith in overcoming barriers to reach Jesus (Luke 5:19) and God's providence in enabling escape for his servants (Acts 9:25). The act of 'lowering' becomes a vehicle for salvation, revelation, and mission.

The actions described—lowering a person through a roof or in a basket—reflect practical solutions in a first-century Mediterranean context. Houses often had flat roofs accessible by an external staircase, making the action in Luke 5:19 plausible. Lowering someone in a basket (Acts 9:25) was a known method for discreetly escaping a walled city when gates were guarded.

καταβαίνω (katabainō, G2597) — means 'to go down' or 'descend,' often used for a person's movement, whereas καθίημι is typically transitive (letting something else down). χαλάω (chalaō, G5465) — also means 'to let down' (e.g., a boat, Acts 27:17, 30) and can be more general; καθίημι sometimes implies a more controlled or deliberate lowering.

Word Details

Scripture References