Lexical Summary kathaptó: To fasten upon, to seize, to touch Original Word: καθάπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to take hold of, seizeFrom kata and haptomai; to seize upon -- fasten on. see GREEK kata see GREEK haptomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and haptó Definition to lay hold of NASB Translation fastened (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2510: καθάπτωκαθάπτω: 1 aorist καθηψα; 1. to fit or fasten to, bind on. 2. to lay hold of, fasten on (hostilely): τῆς χειρός αὐτοῦ, Acts 28:3 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 257 (241)); τοῦ τραχήλου, Epictetus diss. 3, 20, 10. (In middle from Homer down (with the genitive from Herodotus on).) The verb appears a single time in the Greek New Testament (Acts 28:3). The rarity only heightens the vividness of Luke’s narrative, capturing the sudden, forceful action of a venomous snake that “fastened” onto the apostle Paul’s hand. The word pictures an aggressive grip—something that seizes and does not readily let go. Narrative Setting: Paul on Malta “Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, and a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.” (Acts 28:3) The scene unfolds after the harrowing shipwreck recorded in Acts 27. Cold, wet survivors are trying to warm themselves, and Paul—though a prisoner—serves alongside everyone else by collecting wood. Out of the flames bursts a viper that clamps onto him. Islanders assume divine retribution (Acts 28:4), but Paul simply “shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm” (Acts 28:5). In seconds the crowd’s verdict flips from “murderer” to “a god” (Acts 28:6). Theological and Symbolic Significance 1. Vindication of the Gospel The dramatic deliverance underlines that Paul’s mission to “testify about Me in Rome” (Acts 23:11) remains under divine protection. The snake cannot thwart God’s promise. Luke thereby assures readers that every obstacle—storm, shipwreck, snakebite, or Roman court—must yield to the sovereign plan of redemption. 2. Echoes of Mark 16:18 Without pressing the contested textual issues of the longer ending of Mark, Luke’s account functions in harmony with Jesus’ prediction that His messengers would overcome deadly serpents. The Malta episode shows such protection in action, reinforcing apostolic authority. 3. Reversal of Eden’s Curse The serpent that once brought death in Genesis 3 is rendered powerless before a gospel-bearing apostle. Paul’s impervious hand foreshadows the ultimate crushing of the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15), embodied in Christ and extended through His servants. 4. Foretaste of Eschatological Peace Isaiah envisions a day when “the infant will play near the cobra’s den” (Isaiah 11:8). Paul’s immunity previews that restored order, signaling that the kingdom has broken in even amid Roman chains. Historical and Cultural Notes • Malta teemed with various poisonous species, and local superstition tied snakebites to divine justice. Related Biblical Motifs – Psalm 91:13: “You will tread on the lion and cobra.” – Daniel 6:22: Angels shutting the lions’ mouths parallels God nullifying venom. – Luke 10:19: “I have given you authority to trample snakes and scorpions.” Ministry Applications 1. Servant Leadership Paul gathers sticks though he is the most distinguished person present. Authentic ministry acts first, preaches second. 2. Unshakable Assurance When unexpected attacks clamp down, the believer rests on promises more secure than any circumstance. 3. Witness Through Trial Island spectators are evangelized not by sermons but by observable deliverance. Modern disciples likewise display Christ by steadfast composure under pressure. 4. Discerning Superstition from Providence The Maltese jump to theological conclusions. Christians must anchor interpretation in Scripture, not immediacy of events. Conclusion The solitary New Testament use of this verb crystallizes a moment where the gospel’s advance meets lethal opposition and effortlessly overcomes it. Paul’s snake-bitten hand, uninjured, proclaims that the mission of God endures; whatever seeks to fasten upon it is ultimately cast into the fire. |
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