Lexical Summary katamanthanó: To observe carefully, to consider, to understand thoroughly. Original Word: καταμανθάνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance consider. From kata and manthano; to learn thoroughly, i.e. (by implication) to note carefully -- consider. see GREEK kata see GREEK manthano HELPS Word-studies 2648 katamanthánō (from 2596 /katá, "down to a point, exactly according to," which intensifies 3129 /manthánō, "learn") – properly, thoroughly (exactly) learn; to grasp something conclusively by considering it carefully (AS). It is only used in Mt 6:28. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and manthanó Definition to learn thoroughly NASB Translation observe (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2648: καταμανθάνωκαταμανθάνω: 2 aorist κατέμαθον; met with from Herodotus down; especially frequent in Xenophon, and Plato; "to learn thoroughly (see κατά, III. 1), examine carefully; to consider well": τί followed by πῶς, Matthew 6:28. (Genesis 24:21; Job 35:5, etc.; παρθένον, Sir. 9:5; κάλλος ἀλλότριον, ibid. 8.) Topical Lexicon Root and Conceptual Background Formed from an intensive preposition joined to the common verb for learning, the term calls believers to grasp truth by deliberate, penetrating consideration rather than casual notice. It evokes the picture of a pupil who bends over a subject until its meaning is absorbed into life and conduct. Usage in the New Testament The word appears a single time, in Matthew 6:28, within the Sermon on the Mount: “And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin”. Here Jesus commands His hearers to study the lilies so thoroughly that the lesson silences anxiety. The verb frames observation of creation as a classroom in which God’s providence becomes experientially known. Immediate Literary Context Matthew 6:19-34 contrasts earthly treasure with heavenly treasure and human anxiety with divine care. By inserting the imperative “consider,” Jesus shifts His audience from internal fretting to external contemplation. The single appearance of the verb therefore sharpens the exhortation: genuine freedom from worry requires active, sustained learning about God’s faithful provision. Old Testament Resonance The Hebrew Scriptures repeatedly invite God’s people to learn from creation through verbs such as “behold” or “go to.” Jesus’ command in Matthew 6 continues this prophetic and wisdom tradition, employing a stronger term that implies learning to the point of inward transformation. Theological Significance 1. Revelation through Creation. The verb underscores that general revelation is pedagogical; nature teaches truths consistent with special revelation. Historical Interpretation • Early Church. Chrysostom highlighted the word’s force, urging believers to “examine the lilies with exactness” so that unbelief is uprooted. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Counseling Anxiety. Pastors may direct counselees to keep a “lily journal,” daily recording providences observed in creation, linking each to Scripture. Challenges to Superficial Religion The Lord’s choice of such an intensive verb rebukes passive listening. Disciples are not merely to hear sermons but to engage intellect, senses, and affections until divine truth governs daily choices (James 1:22-25). Connection to Contentment Ethics Paul later echoes the same ethos of studied contentment: “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). Though using a different Greek verb, the apostle shows that the learning Jesus commands finds its fruition in a life free from covetous worry. Eschatological Hint Matthew 6:28-30 moves from lilies that flourish today to grass cast into the oven tomorrow, implicitly directing the learner to eternal priorities (Matthew 6:33). The verb thus carries eschatological weight: thorough contemplation of temporal beauty points to imperishable glory. Summary for Teaching and Preaching • Direct Object: lilies—common, accessible, divinely tended. In a single occurrence, Strong’s Greek 2648 summons every generation to a rigorous, joyful apprenticeship under the Master Teacher, whose classroom stretches from Galilean hillsides to every field and garden where lilies still proclaim, “Your heavenly Father knows” (Matthew 6:32). Forms and Transliterations κατάμαθε καταμαθείν καταμαθετε καταμάθετε κατεμάνθανεν katamathete katamátheteLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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