Lexical Summary katachthonios: Under the earth, subterranean Original Word: καταχθόνιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance under the earth. From kata and chthon (the ground); subterranean, i.e. Infernal (belonging to the world of departed spirits) -- under the earth. see GREEK kata NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and chthón (the earth) Definition under the earth NASB Translation under the earth (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2709: καταχθόνιοςκαταχθόνιος, καταχτονιον (κατά (see κατά, III. 3), χθών (the earth)), subterranean, Vulg.infernus: plural, of those who dwell in the world below, i. e. departed souls (cf. Winers Grammar, § 34, 2; but others make the adjective a neuter used indefinitely; see Lightfoot, in the place cited), Philippians 2:10. (Homer, Dionysius Halicarnassus, Anthol., etc., Inscriptions) Topical Lexicon Biblical context The word appears once in the New Testament, Philippians 2:10, within Paul’s exaltation hymn: “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Berean Standard Bible). The phrase “under the earth” completes a three-fold cosmic scope—heavenly beings, living humanity, and those beneath—underscoring the universal reach of Christ’s lordship. Old Testament and Jewish background Hebrew Scripture speaks of Sheol as the realm of the departed (Psalm 6:5; Isaiah 14:9). Later Jewish writings expand this into a stratified cosmos of heaven, earth, and the abyss. While Hebrew lacks a direct lexical parallel to Strong’s 2709, the conceptual groundwork is present in texts such as Job 26:5-6 and 1 Samuel 28:13-15. Paul’s use draws on this heritage, presenting Jesus as sovereign even where death appears to reign. Greco-Roman setting Greco-Roman religion populated the subterranean world with chthonic deities and the shades of the dead. By employing a term familiar to his Gentile audience yet filling it with distinctly biblical theology, Paul proclaims Christ’s supremacy over all unseen powers—demythologizing pagan fears while affirming the reality of spiritual realms (compare Colossians 2:15). Theological significance 1. Christ’s universal dominion: Philippians 2:10 parallels Revelation 5:13—“every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea…”—showing that no creature or domain lies outside His authority. Eschatological horizons At the final judgment, “the sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead” (Revelation 20:13). The mention of those “under the earth” anticipates that day, guaranteeing that the subterrestrial world cannot withhold homage or escape accountability. Ministry application • Evangelism: Believers proclaim a Savior whose authority extends beyond life’s limits, offering hope to all who fear death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Summary Strong’s Greek 2709 highlights the final sphere of Christ’s absolute reign. By affirming that even the under-earth realm must bow to Jesus, Scripture assures the Church of His total victory, motivates mission to every corner of creation, and fills worship with cosmic expectancy. Forms and Transliterations καταχθονιων καταχθονίων katachthonion katachthoniōn katachthoníon katachthoníōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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