Lexical Summary katabainó: To go down, to descend Original Word: καταβαίνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance go down, come downFrom kata and the base of basis; to descend (literally or figuratively) -- come (get, go, step) down, fall (down). see GREEK kata see GREEK basis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and the same as basis Definition to go down NASB Translation brought down (1), came down (12), come down (15), comes down (4), coming (1), coming down (9), descend (3), descended (6), descending (5), descends (1), falling down (1), fell (1), go (1), go down (4), go downstairs (1), going down (3), got (1), steps down (1), went (1), went down (11). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2597: καταβαίνωκαταβαίνω; imperfect 3 person plural κατέβαινον; future καταβήσομαι; 2 aorist κατέβην, imperative κατάβηθι (Matthew 27:40; Luke 19:5; John 4:49; Acts 10:20) and κατάβα (Mark 15:30 (R G (where L T Tr WH participle καταβάς)), see ἀναβαίνω); perfect καταβέβηκα; (from Homer on); the Sept. for יָרַד; to go down, come down, descend; 1. of persons; a. properly: absolutely, the place from which one has come down being evident from the context, καταβάς ἔστη, Luke 6:17 (cf. b. to come down, as from the temple at Jerusalem, from the city of Jerusalem; also of celestial beings coming down to earth: absolutely, Matthew 3:16; Luke 2:51; Luke 10:31; John 4:47, 49, 51; Acts ( 2. of things, to come (i. e. be sent) down: Acts 10:11 (Rec. adds ἐπ' αὐτόν); 3. figuratively, καταβαίνειν ἕως ᾅδου, to (go i. e.) be cast down to the lowest state of wretchedness and shame: Matthew 11:23 L Tr WH; (Luke 10:15 WH text Tr marginal reading Compare: συγκαταβαίνω.) Strong’s Greek 2597 gathers New Testament testimony around the act of “coming down” or “descending.” Whether the subject is the Son of God, the Holy Spirit, angelic messengers, the New Jerusalem, or simple travelers, each descent underscores purposeful movement from a higher to a lower realm in service of redemption, revelation, judgment, or ministry. Old Testament Background The Septuagint employs cognate forms when the Lord “comes down” to observe Babel (Genesis 11:5) or to deliver Israel (Exodus 3:8). These antecedents prepare readers to see descent as an act of sovereign initiative, never of defeat. Christological Significance Incarnation and Pre-existence John repeatedly anchors Jesus’ identity in His heavenly origin. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). The Bread of Life discourse (John 6:33, 41, 50–51, 58) presents His descent as essential for eternal life, offsetting Exodus manna that merely sustained physical existence. Baptism and Public Anointing At the Jordan the Spirit descends upon Jesus “like a dove” (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32–33). The visible descent authenticates Jesus as Messiah and reveals Trinitarian cooperation. Passion Challenges Mockers taunt, “Come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40, 42; Mark 15:30, 32). Their irony highlights that true salvation required Jesus to remain lifted up (John 3:14), finishing His mission before any exaltation. Descent to the Lower Parts Ephesians 4:9–10 unites Psalm 68 imagery with the Gospel: “He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.” The descent reaches even “the depths of the earth,” reinforcing His full identification with humanity and His victory over the grave (Romans 10:7). Pneumatology Every New Testament mention of the Spirit’s descent points to empowerment and revelation. At Pentecost the Spirit “came down” in fiery tongues (implicit in Acts 2:1–4). James 1:17 applies the language broadly: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,” assuring believers that divine generosity is consistent and unchanging. Angelic and Supernatural Agency Angels descend to serve God’s purposes: Conversely, Revelation 12:12 laments the devil’s descent “in great fury,” stressing the immediacy of spiritual warfare. Eschatological Visions New Jerusalem “She came down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2; cf. 21:10). The consummation of redemption is a descent, not an ascent, affirming that the final dwelling of God is with humanity. Final Judgment Fire “came down from heaven and consumed them” (Revelation 20:9), echoing Elijah’s day (2 Kings 1:10) and prefiguring ultimate justice. Revelation 16:21’s hailstones and 13:13’s deceptive fire both denote climactic divine or counterfeit interventions. Apostolic Mission Physical descents mark obedience and evangelistic advance: Pastoral and Devotional Implications 1. God initiates relationship; believers respond. Every salvific event in Scripture begins with God’s descent—whether in Christ, the Spirit, or heavenly messengers. Doctrinal Summary Katabainō language affirms the unity of redemptive history: God consistently moves toward His people. The motif undergirds doctrines of incarnation, atonement, pneumatology, angelology, eschatology, and practical discipleship, inviting worship rooted in wonder that the High and Holy One willingly comes down to save, to dwell, and to reign. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 3:16 V-PPA-ANSGRK: τοῦ θεοῦ καταβαῖνον ὡσεὶ περιστερὰν NAS: of God descending as a dove KJV: of God descending like INT: of God descending as a dove Matthew 7:25 V-AIA-3S Matthew 7:27 V-AIA-3S Matthew 8:1 V-APA-GMS Matthew 11:23 V-FIM-2S Matthew 14:29 V-APA-NMS Matthew 17:9 V-PPA-GMP Matthew 24:17 V-AMA-3S Matthew 27:40 V-AMA-2S Matthew 27:42 V-AMA-3S Matthew 28:2 V-APA-NMS Mark 1:10 V-PPA-ANS Mark 3:22 V-APA-NMP Mark 9:9 V-PPA-GMP Mark 13:15 V-AMA-3S Mark 15:30 V-APA-NMS Mark 15:32 V-AMA-3S Luke 2:51 V-AIA-3S Luke 3:22 V-ANA Luke 6:17 V-APA-NMS Luke 8:23 V-AIA-3S Luke 9:54 V-ANA Luke 10:15 V-FIM-2S Luke 10:30 V-IIA-3S Luke 10:31 V-IIA-3S Strong's Greek 2597 |
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