κατέχω
To hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does κατέχω (katéchō) mean in the Bible?
κατέχω (katéchō) is a Greek word meaning "to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)". κατ-έχω [in LXX for אָחַז, חָזַק hi. It reveals that humanity actively resists the truth rather than lacking access to it. This term runs through the canonical themes of Revelation.
Meaning
Perfective form emphasizing firm possession or forceful restraint; often implies holding against resistance or opposition.
Why This Word Matters
It reveals that humanity actively resists the truth rather than lacking access to it. Romans 1:18-32
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Indicative states a fact or reality 6×
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 2×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 5×
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 3×
Imperative command or strong request 1×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 17 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
New Testament Witnesses
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain