Lexical Summary kathaper: just as, even as Original Word: καθάπερ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance even, as well as. From katha and per; exactly as -- (even, as well) as. see GREEK katha see GREEK per NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom katha and per Definition just as NASB Translation even (1), just (11), like (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2509: καθάπερκαθάπερ (καθ' ἅπερ), according as, just as, even as, (("καθά marking the comparison, περ (akin to the preposition περί) the latitude of the application"): Romans 9:13 WH text; Topical Lexicon Incidence in ScriptureAppearing thirteen times, καθάπερ anchors key comparisons in Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, 1 Thessalonians, and Hebrews, each instance weaving an inspired parallel that sheds light on doctrine, ethics, and the life of the church. The Function of καθάπερ in Apostolic Teaching 1. Establishing Correspondence Romans 4:6 links David’s testimony with the Pauline doctrine of imputed righteousness: “And David speaks likewise of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works”. Καθάπερ bridges Old Testament witness and New Testament gospel, underscoring the continuity of God’s saving plan. 2. Illustrating Unity in Diversity Romans 12:4 and 1 Corinthians 12:12 employ the term to compare the human body with the body of Christ: “Just as each of us has one body with many members…so in Christ we who are many are one body” (Romans 12:4-5, composite). The adverb marks the analogy, grounding church life in a divinely ordained pattern of mutual dependence. 3. Issuing Moral Warnings 1 Corinthians 10:10 recalls Israel’s judgment: “And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel”. Καθάπερ ties the Corinthian situation to Israel’s wilderness failures, making past discipline a present caution. 4. Clarifying Eschatological Hope 2 Corinthians 1:14 places mutual boasting “in the day of our Lord Jesus” on the same footing for both apostle and congregation. The comparison anticipates a shared future vindication. 5. Contrasting Covenants and Glory 2 Corinthians 3:13-18 juxtaposes Moses’ veiled glory with the believer’s unveiled transformation: “We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face…And we all, with unveiled faces, contemplate the glory of the Lord”. Καθάπερ highlights the superiority of the New Covenant. 6. Aligning Intention and Action 2 Corinthians 8:11 urges completion of the Corinthians’ offering: “Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness…may be matched by your completion of it”. The adverb links desire and deed, illustrating integrity in stewardship. 7. Modeling Pastoral Care 1 Thessalonians 2:11 compares Paul’s ministry to fatherly nurture: “For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children”. Καθάπερ conveys tenderness without compromising authority. 8. Encouraging Mutual Affection 1 Thessalonians 3:6, 12 and 4:5 employ the word to synchronize apostolic and congregational love, and to contrast Christian purity with Gentile passion. The repeated use stitches personal relationship into ethical exhortation. 9. Warning Against Unbelief Hebrews 4:2 parallels the wilderness generation with the readers: “For we also received the gospel just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them”. Καθάπερ exposes the danger of an unmingled faith. Intertextual Echoes and Scriptural Unity By linking past and present, Israel and church, intention and fulfillment, καθάπερ serves as a grammatical witness to the unity of redemptive history. The Spirit-inspired authors employ it to affirm that what God has done and said before provides the pattern for what He is now doing in Christ and His people. Doctrinal Insights • Justification: David’s testimony (Romans 4:6) confirms that grace, not works, has always been the ground of righteousness. Applications for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Use biblical parallels to teach: illustrate doctrinal truths with Old Testament narratives, following Paul’s model. Historical Significance Early Christian writers prized καθάπερ for its rhetorical power. In patristic homilies the term often introduced typology—Jonah as a figure of Christ, Isaac as a picture of the Son. Such usage mirrors the apostolic instinct: Scripture explains Scripture by Spirit-guided comparison. Summary Καθάπερ, though a small adverb, functions as a theological hinge. Wherever it appears, the Spirit is pointing to a divinely intended likeness—binding past to present, doctrine to life, and promise to fulfillment—so that the church might believe, obey, and hope “just as” the Word directs. Forms and Transliterations καθαπερ καθάπερ καθὼς kathaper katháper kathos kathōs kathṑsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 4:6 AdvGRK: καθάπερ καὶ Δαυὶδ NAS: just as David also KJV: Even as David also INT: Even as also David Romans 12:4 Adv 1 Corinthians 10:10 Adv 1 Corinthians 12:12 Adv 2 Corinthians 1:14 Adv 2 Corinthians 3:13 Adv 2 Corinthians 3:18 Adv 2 Corinthians 8:11 Adv 1 Thessalonians 2:11 Adv 1 Thessalonians 3:6 Adv 1 Thessalonians 3:12 Adv 1 Thessalonians 4:5 Adv Hebrews 4:2 Adv |
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