κατέχω
katechō
to hold back/fast
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word κατέχω (katechō) is a verb that means "to hold back" or "to hold fast." This word is used 18 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in various contexts. In its most basic sense, κατέχω implies a physical or figurative grasp, where something is being restrained or maintained in a particular state. The range of usage for κατέχω is quite broad, encompassing both physical and metaphorical applications. It can describe holding onto something physically, such as a rope or a person, but it can also convey a sense of spiritual or emotional hold, like holding onto one's faith or a promise. This versatility is reflected in its various translations, including "to hold fast," "to hold back," and "to be held." The significance of κατέχω lies in its emphasis on stability, security, and perseverance. When something is held fast, it is less likely to be lost or compromised. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of spiritual struggles, where believers may need to hold onto their faith in the face of adversity. By examining the occurrences of κατέχω in the Bible, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of perseverance and the value of holding onto what is truly important.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
18 total occurrences across the text
When it was day, he departed and went into an uninhabited place, and the multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and held on to him, so that he wouldn’t go away from them.
Luke 8:15Those in the good ground, these are those who with an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and produce fruit with perseverance.
Luke 14:9and he who invited both of you would come and tell you, ‘Make room for this person.’ Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place.
John 5:4for an angel went down at certain times into the pool and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had.
Acts 27:40Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.
Romans 1:18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Romans 7:6But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.
1 Corinthians 7:30and those who weep, as though they didn’t weep; and those who rejoice, as though they didn’t rejoice; and those who buy, as though they didn’t possess;
1 Corinthians 11:2Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
1 Corinthians 15:2by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
2 Corinthians 6:10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
1 Thessalonians 5:21Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.
2 Thessalonians 2:6Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.
2 Thessalonians 2:7For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way.
Philemon 1:13whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
Hebrews 3:6but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house. We are his house, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end.
Hebrews 3:14For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence firm to the end,
Hebrews 10:23let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.