Lexical Summary katoteros: Lower, inferior Original Word: κατώτερος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lower. Comparative from kato; inferior (locally, of Hades) -- lower. see GREEK kato Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2737: κατώτεροςκατώτερος, κατώτερα, κατώτερον (comparitive of κάτω, see ἀνώτερος) (Hippocrates, Theophrastus, Athen., others), lower: (ὁ Χριστός) κατέβη εἰς τά κατώτερα μέρη τῆς γῆς, Ephesians 4:9, which many understand of Christ's descent into Hades (τόν τόπον τόν κάτω καλούμενον, Plato, Phaedo, p. 112 c.), taking τῆς γῆς as a partitive genitive (see ᾅδης, 2). But the mention of tiffs fact is at variance with the connection. Paul is endeavoring to show that the passage he has just before quoted, Psalm 67:19 Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term Strong’s 2737 appears once in the Greek New Testament (Ephesians 4:9), describing “the lower parts of the earth.” The phrase evokes spatial depth, contrast to the heavenly realm, and movement from exaltation to humiliation and back again. Context in Ephesians 4:9 Paul writes, “What does ‘He ascended’ mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth?” (Ephesians 4:9). The descent/ascension pattern frames Christ’s redemptive work: 1. Incarnation and death (descent). Old Testament and Second Temple Background • Sheol/Hades imagery: Psalm 139:8; Isaiah 44:23 portray the “depths of the earth” as the realm of the dead. Christological Implications Descent underscores Jesus’ full identification with humanity, even in death (Philippians 2:6-8). Ascension proclaims His triumph and enthronement (Ephesians 1:20-23). The single verb pair (“descended… ascended”) affirms one continuous saving act, displaying both His humility and exaltation. Connections with Other New Testament Passages • Matthew 12:40: “the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Historical Interpretation Early creeds (“He descended into hell”) read the verse as literal descent to the abode of the dead. Reformers stressed the reality of Christ’s deepest humiliation. Some post-Reformation commentators see the descent as a reference to burial or to earthly ministry among the living; yet all orthodox readings affirm no contradiction within Scripture—only diverse emphases on the same obedient mission. Soteriological and Pastoral Applications 1. Assurance: Christ has entered every sphere of human existence, even death, ensuring no believer is beyond His reach (Hebrews 2:14-15). Relation to the Ascension and Spiritual Gifts The descent prepares for the giving of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). Ministry flows from the risen Lord who first went lower than any servant will ever go, setting the pattern for servant-leadership (Mark 10:45). Worship and Discipleship Focus • Worship: The Church proclaims both depths and heights of Christ’s journey (Revelation 5:9-10). Practical Ministry Implications • Evangelism: Christ’s descent assures the gospel can penetrate every cultural “depth.” Summary Strong’s 2737, though occurring only once, opens a window on the sweep of redemption: Jesus descends to the lowest place, conquers death, ascends in triumph, and lavishly supplies His body with everything needed until “we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:13). Forms and Transliterations κατώτατα κατωτάτη κατωτάτοις κατωτάτου κατωτάτω κατωτερα κατώτερα καυλός katotera katōtera katṓteraLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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