Greek · G2727 · unreviewed

κατηχέω

To instruct

These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.

κατηχέω G2727
Pronunciation katēchéō

What does κατηχέω (katēchéō) mean in the Bible?

κατηχέω (katēchéō) is a Greek word meaning "to instruct". κατ-ηχέω, -ῶ __1.

Full entry for κατηχέω (G2727) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

to instruct
Extended definition

Oral instruction handed down directly, emphasizing relational teaching through word of mouth rather than written doctrine.

1to resound.
2to teach by word of mouth, instruct, inform (see 131., Phil. Gosp., 20, 31): Gal.6:6; with accusative of person(s), 1Co.14:19; pass. with accusative of thing(s), Luk.1:4 (ICC, in l), Act.18:25 21:24 (cf. Lk, l.with), Gal.6:6; before κ, with genitive of thing(s), Rom.2:18; περί, with genitive of person(s), Act.21:21.
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Grammatical Forms

How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.

Tenses
Present Aorist Perfect
Voices
Passive Active
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality
Present Passive Rom 2:18 · Gal 6:6
Perfect Passive Acts 18:25
Present Active Gal 6:6
Indicative states a fact or reality
Aorist Passive Luke 1:4 · Acts 21:21
Perfect Passive Acts 21:24
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose
Aorist Active 1 Cor 14:19
Discourse Aspect

How this verb appears across 7 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).

Aspect
completed 2 resultant 1 subjunctive 1 participle 3
Tense
aorist 3 present 3 perfect 1
Voice
passive 5 active 2
Mood
indicative 3 participle 3 subjunctive 1

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)

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

Sources