[Greek] κατέχω (katechō), [Latin] habere, [Latin] requierere, [Latin] retinere, [Latin] tenere, [Latin] definere, [Latin] possidere, [Latin] tradere: to control (someone or something), to hold fast, to hold back, to restrain, to prevent, to hinder, to occupy; Mt.21:38, Lk.4:42, Lk.8:15, Lk.14:9, Jn.5:4, Acts 27:40, Rom.1:18, Rom.7:6, 1Cor.7:30, 1Cor.11:2, 1Cor.15:2, 2Cor.6:10, 1Thess.5:21, 2Thess.2:6-7, Phi.1:13, Heb.2:6,14, Heb.10:23
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to hold fast, to withhold, to be kept under, to keep an oath, to take, to dwell, to occupy, prevail, to have an effect, to arrest, and to be held spellbound.
Herodotus’ The Histories 5.72: “He went up to acropolis with the intention of taking possession of it.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 6.129: “He held himself in check, not wanting to explode at Hippocleides.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 1.29: “For they were bound by solemn law to abide for ten years by whatever laws Solon should make.”
Sophocles’ Trachinae 249: “Most of that time he was held in Lydia, not free but sold in servitude.”
Aeschylus’ Persians 427” “Groans and shrieks together filled the open sea until the black of night hid the sea.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 6.40: “Greater difficulties than the present afflictions overtook him.”
Plato’s Meno 72d: “But still I do not yet grasp the meaning of the question as I could wish.”
Plato’s Ion 533e: “The Muse inspires mean herself and by means of these inspired persons, the inspiration spreads to others.”
Xenophon’s Symposium 1.10: “But those who are possessed of the other gods have a tendency of to be sterner of countenance, more terrifying of voice, and more vehement.”
Old Testament: This term predominantly means to hold fast and of states which possess man.
New Testament: This term means to acquire, to prevent (restrain), to take hold, to have, to hold fast, and to hand on. A seed falling on rich soil is like one who embraces the Word and bears good fruit. In the parable of the tenants, the tenants seek to acquire the son’s inheritance. The crowds tried to prevent Jesus from leaving Capernaum. When invited to a wedding banquet, one is always encouraged to take the lowest place. One man had a disease for 38 years. God reveals His wrath against those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. We are no longer held captive of the law. We hold fast to the traditions and gospel handed on by Paul. Paul speaks of the paradoxical nature of the disciple, experiencing difficulties yet possessing all things.
Scripture:
“But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.” Lk.8:15
This person’s faith takes root in rich soil and becomes fruitful.
“But now are released from the law, dead to what held us captive, so that we may serve in the newness of the Spirit and not under the obsolete letter.” Rom.7:6
Christians have a different understanding of the law because of their faith in Christ. Christians are “dead”, no longer being bound to live under the law. Christians can bear the newness of life in God.
“I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions, just as I handed on to you.” 1Cor.11:2
Corinthians and Christians learn the faith by oral tradition. This tradition forms the seeds of the church continuing forward generation by generation.
Etymology: The Greek verb katecho essentially means to hold (-echo) down (kata-). The Latin verb habere means to have, to hold, and to dwell. The Latin verb requirere means to require and to search for. The Latin verb retinere means to retain, to restrain, and to hold back. The Latin verb tinere means to hold and to possess. The Latin verb definere means to define. The Latin verb possidere means to possess and to hold. The Latin trader means to trade and to hand over.
Conclusion:
Habit, habitation, requirement, require, retain, tenure, tenant, possible, define, definition, trader, traitor.
In Greek Hellenism this term is used extensively. The more nuanced examples include taking up space (occupying), to be bound, to prevail, to bear malice, to be spellbound (infatuated), and to have an effect.
In contrast to Nazareth, the people restrained Jesus from leaving. A faithful follower embraces (takes hold of) the word of God, bearing fruit.
Each one of us could learn to learn to be humble in taking the lowest seat at a gathering.
One who suppresses the truth holds it from others.
The early church began to grow through the oral tradition (transmission) of the faith. There was no defined scriptural structure regarding the New Testament. The only scriptures in existence were the Old Testament. Therefore, the church begins before the New Testament. Traditores were those early Christians who willingly handed over their bibles to the authorities. (Can you say traitor?)
Christians may still experience struggles, yet they retain possession of God’s promise. (This still holds true today!)
Update: Russia (and Putin) went to Kiev but failed to occupy this city.
More and more Americans are holding feelings of being less proud of being and American.
White house staffers now continuously need to keep President Biden in check from making major gaffes or misstatements.
The conservative Supreme Court justices were bound by law, not public opinion, to make their decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade.
The matters of abortion will now occupy the legislators at the state level.
Our society has now been taken hold by the culture of death.
The status of the unborn, subject to women’s choice, still remains in jeopardy as long as abortion remains legal.
Greater difficulties of changing hearts and minds remain in this culture of death. More must be done to inspire others to do good.
Protests, rioting, and hatred now fill the streets of American after this Supreme Court decision
Many cannot grasp the meaning that abortion has moral consequences.
In light of these recent Supreme Court decisions, all of us must really look at ourselves and reflect on how God plays a part in our lives and decisions. Yet continue to hold on to our preconceived notions in what we believe. In some situations, anger often remains in interacting with others. It is often difficult to have dialogue when we have different interpretations of what a right means. We need to pray for those who have been held captive by this culture of death. Each of us needs to really look at ourselves in the mirror. Hopefully, we can see the person of whom God wanted us to be and do something about it.
Next post: carefully considering and looking at ourselves in the mirror