πατέω

I tread, trample upon

Definition

The verb πατέω means to tread or trample upon something, often with a sense of forceful or authoritative movement. In its literal sense, it describes physically walking on or crushing something underfoot, as seen in Revelation 14:20 where the winepress is 'trodden' outside the city. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of subjugation, conquest, or desecration, such as the nations being trampled in Luke 21:24 or the holy city being trampled by the Gentiles in Revelation 11:2. In Luke 10:19, Jesus grants authority to 'tread on' serpents and scorpions, symbolizing power over spiritual enemies.

Biblical Usage

πατέω is used five times in the New Testament, appearing in Luke and Revelation. In Luke's Gospel, it is used in contexts of spiritual authority (Luke 10:19) and prophetic judgment (Luke 21:24). In Revelation, it consistently describes violent, eschatological judgment: the trampling of the holy city (Revelation 11:2), the treading of the winepress of God's wrath (Revelation 14:20), and Christ treading the winepress in final victory (Revelation 19:15). Its usage thus shifts from a promise of authority to a theme of divine retribution.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root πατ- (related to walking or stepping), πατέω is a primary verb meaning 'to tread' or 'to trample.' It is cognate with words like πατήρ (father, via the idea of one who walks ahead?) though the connection is distant. The basic sense of forceful stepping or stamping remained consistent in classical and Koine Greek.

Semantic Range

πατέω is theologically significant as it vividly portrays God's judgment and the believer's authority. In Luke 10:19, it illustrates Christ's delegation of power over evil to his disciples. In Revelation, it becomes a central image for God's wrath and ultimate victory over enemies (Revelation 14:20, 19:15). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the stark contrast between the believer's authorized trampling of evil and God's final, decisive trampling of rebellion, themes deeply tied to sovereignty and eschatology.

In the ancient world, treading or trampling was a powerful cultural symbol of conquest and humiliation. Victorious armies would literally tread over defeated enemies or cities. Treading a winepress was a familiar image of forceful, thorough processing, often used metaphorically for judgment (Isaiah 63:3). This context makes the biblical usage more visceral, conveying not just walking but total subjugation and the crushing of opposition underfoot.

καταπατέω (katapateō, G2662) — a strengthened form meaning to tread down, trample underfoot, often with a more destructive or contemptuous force. λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983) — generally 'to take' or 'receive'; distinct as πατέω focuses on the exercise of authority through conquest, not merely reception. νικάω (nikaō, G3528) — 'to conquer' or 'overcome'; πατέω specifies the means (trampling) as an image of that victory.

Word Details

Scripture References