Lexical Summary katapheugó: To flee for refuge, to escape Original Word: καταφεύγω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flee. From kata and pheugo; to flee down (away) -- flee. see GREEK kata see GREEK pheugo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and pheugó Definition to flee for refuge NASB Translation fled (1), taken refuge (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2703: καταφεύγωκαταφεύγω: 2 aorist κατέφυγον; (from Herodotus down); to flee away, flee for refuge: followed by εἰς with the accusative of place, Acts 14:6; οἱ καταφυγόντες, we who (cf. Buttmann, § 144, 9 c.) have fled from namely, the irreligious mass of mankind, followed by an infinitive of purpose, Hebrews 6:18; cf. Delitzsch at the passage. Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage in the New Testament Strong’s Greek 2703 appears twice, both times in narratives that highlight urgent movement toward safety. In Acts 14:6 Paul and Barnabas “fled” hostile Iconium; in Hebrews 6:18 believers “have fled to take hold of the hope set before us.” The verb therefore spans both physical flight from persecution and spiritual flight to eschatological security, uniting historical events with enduring theological truth. Historical Background: Refuge in Ancient Near Eastern Law and Old Testament Typology Ancient Israel’s six cities of refuge (Numbers 35; Deuteronomy 4:41–43; Joshua 20) formed a divinely ordained system where involuntary manslayers could escape blood vengeance until due process. This institution taught justice tempered by mercy, foreshadowing a greater sanctuary found in the Lord Himself (Psalm 46:1). The Septuagint frequently uses cognate verbs for taking refuge in these cities, preparing the conceptual soil for the New Testament’s spiritual appropriation of καταφεύγω. Christ as the Ultimate Refuge (Hebrews 6:18) Hebrews contrasts the shaky hopes of this world with the immovable anchor secured by God’s oath to Abraham, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. “So that… we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged” (Hebrews 6:18). The flight is metaphorical yet decisive: sinners abandon self-reliance and rush into the saving promise ratified by the resurrected High Priest. In Christ the believer finds a refuge superior to any geographical sanctuary—unchangeable, unbreakable, and eternal. Practical Implications for the Persecuted Church (Acts 14:6) Learning of a conspiracy to stone them, “they fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe” (Acts 14:6). This verse models wise stewardship of life without compromising gospel mission. Flight here is neither cowardice nor lack of faith; it is strategic relocation enabling continued witness (Acts 14:7). Throughout church history, believers have followed this apostolic precedent—relocating under duress while carrying the gospel to new fields. Theological Themes Connected to καταφεύγω 1. Divine Provision: God not only permits but sometimes directs flight to preserve His servants and advance His purposes (Matthew 10:23). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Counseling: Encourage believers facing guilt to “run” to Christ instead of languishing in self-reproach. Intertextual Connections and Biblical Synergy – Exodus 21:13; Numbers 35:15: flight to sanctuary. – Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength.” – Isaiah 25:4: a shelter from the storm, anticipating messianic deliverance. – Revelation 12:6: the woman fleeing into the wilderness, depicting divine protection of the covenant community. Conclusion: Living Out the Call to Flee for Refuge Strong’s 2703 summons every reader to decisive action: abandon vulnerable ground and seek the only secure haven—God’s sworn promise in Jesus Christ. Whether facing swords or internal accusation, the church continues to embody the ancient rhythm of flight and refuge, trusting the One who “remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:6). Forms and Transliterations καταφεύξεσθε καταφεύξεται καταφεύξονται καταφυγείν καταφύγη καταφυγοντες καταφυγόντες κατέφθασεν κατέφυγε κατέφυγεν κατεφυγον κατέφυγον κατεφύγοσαν kataphugontes kataphygontes kataphygóntes katephugon katephygon katéphygonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 14:6 V-AIA-3PGRK: συνιδόντες κατέφυγον εἰς τὰς NAS: they became aware of it and fled to the cities KJV: They were ware of [it], and fled unto INT: having been aware they fled to the Hebrews 6:18 V-APA-NMP Strong's Greek 2703 |
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