Lexical Summary kataxioó: To deem worthy, to consider worthy Original Word: καταξιόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance count worthy. From kata and axioo; to deem entirely deserving -- (ac-)count worthy. see GREEK kata see GREEK axioo HELPS Word-studies 2661 kataksióō (from 2596 /katá, "down, exactly according to," which intensifies 515 /aksióō, "weighing as much as, proportional") – properly, to weigh in exactly (on a balance-scale) which determines exact worth; weighing that reflects actual, precise worth; hence, to count (weigh) something as worthy (accurately assessing its exact worth). See 515 (aksioō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and axioó Definition to deem worthy NASB Translation considered worthy (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2661: καταξιόωκαταξιόω, καταξιω: 1 aorist passive κατηξιωθην; to account worthy, judge worthy: τινα τίνος, one of a thing, 2 Thessalonians 1:5 (Polybius 1, 23, 3, etc.; Diodorus 2, 60; Josephus, Antiquities 15, 3, 8); followed by an infinitive, Luke 20:35; Luke 21:36 (T Tr text WH κατισχύσητε); Acts 5:41, (Demosthenes 1383, 11 (cf. Plato, Tim. 30 c.)). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2661 appears only three times in the New Testament and consistently portrays God’s sovereign evaluation of His people. Whether pointing to future glory, present persecution, or ultimate vindication, the verb underscores that genuine worthiness is never self-generated but graciously conferred by God in Christ. Key New Testament Occurrences “But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage.” Here the Lord Jesus locates true worthiness in God’s eschatological verdict. Participation in the resurrection life is God’s gracious assessment, emphasizing that eternal destiny rests on divine approval rather than human merit. “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy of disgrace for the Name.” The early believers interpret suffering as an honor. Worthiness is displayed in joyful acceptance of reproach for Christ. The passage models a theology of persecution that equates opposition with privileged identification with the Savior (compare Philippians 1:29). “All this is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.” Paul presents present affliction as proof of God’s just verdict. Far from undermining faith, hardship authenticates belonging to the kingdom and foreshadows divine recompense (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). Theological Significance 1. Divine Initiative: In every instance God is the One “considering” the subject worthy. Human worthiness flows from grace (Ephesians 2:8-10). Historical Context Early church tradition records continued rejoicing amid persecution, likely informed by Acts 5:41. Second-century apologist Quadratus lauded martyrs who deemed suffering a privilege, reflecting continuity with apostolic teaching. Patristic writers such as Ignatius of Antioch appealed to being “counted worthy” of suffering, demonstrating the verb’s long-standing influence on Christian self-understanding. Practical Ministry Implications • Encouragement in Trial: Pastors can anchor congregational endurance in God’s verdict rather than circumstances, echoing 2 Thessalonians 1:5. Related Biblical Themes • “Walk worthy” (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10) stresses conduct fitting God’s call, complementing the declarative aspect of kataxioō. Summary Strong’s Greek 2661 weaves a vital thread through Scripture: God graciously counts His people worthy—whether for future resurrection, present suffering, or eternal kingdom. This divine assessment shapes Christian hope, sustains perseverance, and directs ministry toward the glory of the One whose worth secures our own. Forms and Transliterations καταξιωθεντες καταξιωθέντες καταξιωθηναι καταξιωθήναι καταξιωθῆναι καταξιωθήτε καταπαίξεται κατάπασαι καταπασάμενοι καταπάσασθε κατέπαιζον κατέπαιζόν κατεπανουργεύσαντο κατεπάσατο κατηξιωθησαν κατηξιώθησαν kataxiothenai kataxiothênai kataxiōthēnai kataxiōthē̂nai kataxiothentes kataxiothéntes kataxiōthentes kataxiōthéntes katexiothesan katexiṓthesan katēxiōthēsan katēxiṓthēsanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 20:35 V-APP-NMPGRK: οἱ δὲ καταξιωθέντες τοῦ αἰῶνος NAS: but those who are considered worthy to attain KJV: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain INT: the [ones] however having been accounted worthy to the age Acts 5:41 V-AIP-3P 2 Thessalonians 1:5 V-ANP Strong's Greek 2661 |
    |