2639. katalegó
Lexical Summary
katalegó: To enroll, to list, to reckon

Original Word: καταλέγω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: katalegó
Pronunciation: kat-al-eg'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-al-eg'-o)
KJV: take into the number
NASB: put on the list
Word Origin: [from G2596 (κατά - according) and G3004 (λέγω - said) (in its original meaning)]

1. to lay down
2. (figuratively) to enrol

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
to enroll, place on a list

From kata and lego (in its original meaning); to lay down, i.e. (figuratively) to enrol -- take into the number.

see GREEK kata

see GREEK lego

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from kata and legó
Definition
to lay down, choose out
NASB Translation
put on the list (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2639: καταλέγω

καταλέγω: present passive imperative καταλεγέσθω;

1. properly, to lay down; middle to lie down (Homer).

2. to narrate at length, recount, set forth (from Homer on).

3. to set down in a list or register, to enroll (especially soldiers; see Passow, under the word, 5; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, II. 2 (yet the latter connect this use with the meaning of to choose))): of those widows who held a prominent place in the church and exercised a certain superintendence over the rest of the women, and had charge of the widows and orphans supported at public expense, 1 Timothy 5:9 (Winer's Grammar, 590 (549)); cf. DeWette (or Ellicott) at the passage.

Topical Lexicon
Overview

The term translated “be enrolled” in 1 Timothy 5:9 conveys the deliberate, official inclusion of a name upon a recognized list. In the apostolic churches this list concerned widows who were to receive ongoing material support and to engage in defined spiritual service. The single occurrence in the New Testament focuses all interpretive attention on this practical yet deeply theological directive.

Scriptural Occurrence

1 Timothy 5:9 ― “A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man,” (Berean Standard Bible).

Cultural and Historical Background

Roman civic life employed registers for citizenship, military conscription, and financial distributions. Jewish society also kept genealogical rolls and temple tax records (Ezra 2:62; Nehemiah 7:64). Against that milieu Paul instructs Timothy to establish a church roll for widows. The guideline safeguards resources, honors genuine need, and prevents disorder.

Within Greco-Roman culture, women typically depended upon a male household head for legal standing and livelihood. A widow without family aid could face destitution. The early churches adopted and elevated the long-standing biblical mandate to defend widows (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 24:17; Isaiah 1:17) by formalizing provision through this enrollment.

Theological Implications

1. Covenant community care: The list embodies the congregation’s covenantal responsibility, dramatizing James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress…”.
2. Holiness and reputation: The qualifications (age, marital faithfulness, a record of good works in 1 Timothy 5:10) protect the church from scandal and proclaim the transforming power of the gospel.
3. Stewardship: Limiting the roll prevents abuse of offerings dedicated to the Lord (Acts 4:34-35).
4. Mutual service: Enrolled widows are not merely recipients; they become intercessors, mentors, and servants of hospitality (cf. Anna in Luke 2:36-38).

Pastoral and Ministry Application

• Discernment: Elders must investigate circumstances rather than react emotionally. Love is expressed within wise boundaries (Philippians 1:9-10).
• Written records: Administrative clarity avoids partiality and protects testimony (1 Timothy 5:21).
• Role definition: Supported widows may lead prayer ministries, counsel younger women (Titus 2:3-5), and exemplify perseverance.
• Intergenerational responsibility: Biological relatives retain primary duty (1 Timothy 5:4, 8). The church intervenes when family is unable or unwilling.
• Safeguarding from idleness: By assigning spiritual tasks, Paul shields enrolled widows from the temptations he warns about in 1 Timothy 5:13.

Intertextual Connections

Ruth 1; 2 Kings 4:1-7; Psalm 68:5; Mark 12:41-44; Acts 6:1-6. Although none of these passages uses the same Greek verb, each illuminates God’s heart for widows and the community’s role in their welfare.

Christological Reflections

Jesus highlights a widow in His commendation of sacrificial giving (Mark 12:43-44) and in His resurrection miracle at Nain (Luke 7:11-15). The church, as His body, mirrors that compassion through structured generosity. The list Paul requires is therefore an extension of Christ’s ministry on earth.

Contemporary Relevance

Modern congregations encounter similar challenges: verifying need, discouraging dependency, and empowering marginalized believers. While social safety nets differ from the first century, the apostolic model encourages churches to maintain accountable benevolence programs, honor elderly saints, and mobilize them for prayer and discipleship.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2639 underscores ordered charity within the household of faith. By enrolling qualified widows, early churches balanced mercy with responsibility, reflecting God’s justice and love. The principle endures: compassionate care administered with thoughtful oversight glorifies Christ and authenticates the gospel before a watching world.

Forms and Transliterations
καταλεγεσθω καταλεγέσθω καταλέγων katalegestho katalegesthō katalegéstho katalegésthō
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Timothy 5:9 V-PMM/P-3S
GRK: Χήρα καταλεγέσθω μὴ ἔλαττον
NAS: A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less
KJV: a widow be taken into the number under
INT: A widow let be enrolled not less than

Strong's Greek 2639
1 Occurrence


καταλεγέσθω — 1 Occ.

2638
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