Lexical Summary kathoraó: To perceive, to see clearly, to discern Original Word: καθοράω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance clearly see. From kata and horao; to behold fully, i.e. (figuratively) distinctly apprehend -- clearly see. see GREEK kata see GREEK horao HELPS Word-studies 2529 kathoráō (from 2596 /katá, "down," which intensifies 3708 /horáō, "to look") – properly, look down (from a higher vantage point), i.e. see clearly, with perception (used only in Ro 1:20). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and horaó Definition to discern clearly NASB Translation clearly seen (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2529: καθοράωκαθοράω, καθόρω: 1. to look down, see from above, view from on high (Homer, Herodotus, Xenophon, Plato, others). 2. "to see thoroughly (cf. κατά, III. 1 at the end), perceive clearly, understand" (German erschauen): present passive 3 person singular καθορᾶται, Romans 1:20 (3Macc. 3:11, and often in classical Greek). Cf. Fritzsche, Ep. ad Romans, i., p. 61. Strong’s Greek 2529, kathoráō, expresses an intensive, penetrating kind of sight—more than noticing, it is beholding with full mental grasp. In Scripture it stands at the intersection of sensory perception and spiritual comprehension, stressing not only what the eye registers but also what the mind and conscience acknowledge as true. Occurrence in Scripture The verb appears once in the Greek New Testament, Romans 1:20. There Paul affirms that through creation God’s invisible attributes “have been clearly seen” (καθορᾶται), leaving every person morally accountable before Him. Theological Significance 1. General Revelation. Kathoráō supports the doctrine that God makes Himself known to all humanity apart from special revelation. The cosmos is not merely observed; it is clearly perceived as a theater of God’s glory. Creation as a Theater of Divine Revelation Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.” Paul’s wording echoes Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God,” and Job 12:7-10, where the creatures themselves become teachers. All realms of creation—heavens, earth, and human conscience—broadcast the Creator’s power and deity. Kathoráō intensifies the concept: the evidence is not faint background noise but a vivid display demanding attention. Implications for Human Accountability Immediately after kathoráō, Paul states, “so that men are without excuse.” Because this perception reaches every person, ignorance cannot be pleaded at the final judgment. The verb therefore undergirds themes of divine justice (Acts 17:30-31) and the necessity of repentance and faith in the gospel (Romans 3:23-24). Pastoral Applications • Evangelism: Creation’s testimony provides a point of contact with unbelievers, affirming their innate awareness of God while directing them to the saving revelation in Jesus Christ. Historical Use in Theology and Apologetics Early apologists such as Justin Martyr and Tertullian appealed to Romans 1:20, stressing that pagans had suppressed a knowledge they already possessed. Medieval theologians, notably Thomas Aquinas, built on the same verse to frame the argument from design. During the Reformation, John Calvin’s sensus divinitatis echoed the certainty implied in kathoráō: humanity is imbued with an indelible awareness of God that creation continually reinforces. Related Concepts and Biblical Themes • Horáō (3708): general sight, often linked with physical vision. Kathoráō integrates these strands, uniting physical sight, rational reflection, and spiritual enlightenment. Further Reflection for Study and Teaching Meditate on passages that present creation as revelation—Genesis 1, Psalm 8, Isaiah 40, and Hebrews 11:3. Trace how these texts deepen the meaning of kathoráō, culminating in Paul’s assertion that everything made proclaims the Maker. Let the comprehensive vision encouraged by this verb energize worship, sharpen apologetics, and anchor ethical living in the undeniable reality of the Creator. Englishman's Concordance Romans 1:20 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: ποιήμασιν νοούμενα καθορᾶται ἥ τε NAS: and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood KJV: of the world are clearly seen, being understood INT: things made being understood are understood the both |
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