ESTUDIO DE LA PALABRA GRIEGA
Kathōs (G2531) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) is a Greek conjunction meaning 'just as, even as, according as,' used to compare, quote, or introduce a reference.
Significado de la palabra
καθώς is rendered in English as 'just as,' 'even as,' 'according as,' 'how,' or 'when.' It is the Hellenistic form of καθά and functions as a comparative or reference conjunction.
In the New Testament it commonly compares an action with a standard (a command, a promise, or a pattern). In Matthew 21:6 the disciples 'did even as Jesus appointed them'; in Matthew 26:24 the Son of Man goes 'even as it is written of him.' These uses tie what happens to a previously stated word.
καθώς also introduces Scripture quotations (Matthew 26:24; Mark 1:2; Mark 9:13), where the phrase καθὼς γέγραπται ('as it is written') ties the New Testament event to Old Testament prophecy. The conjunction frequently carries the simple sense of 'as' or 'how,' without heavy theological weight, simply linking two statements.
Uso en las Escrituras
Across the Gospels, καθώς appears chiefly in two patterns. First, it marks fulfillment or conformity: an event happens 'as' something was spoken, appointed, or written (Matthew 26:24; Mark 1:2; Mark 9:13; Mark 16:7). Second, it describes manner, often with the disciples doing or hearing 'as' Jesus instructed or as the audience was able to receive (Matthew 21:6; Mark 4:33; Mark 11:6). In Luke 1:1 the conjunction opens the prologue, indicating the writer is compiling a narrative 'concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,' setting the standard against which the account is written.
The conjunction is not limited to narrative. It also appears in formulaic scriptural quotations (καθὼς γέγραπται) and in expressions of proportion or degree. The KJV glosses it as 'according to,' 'as,' 'even as,' 'how,' or 'when,' depending on context.
La palabra en detalle
- G2531 καθώς (kathṓs) is a Hellenistic form of καθά, meaning 'just as, even as, according as.' It functions as a comparative conjunction linking an action or statement to a standard—often a previous word, command, or Scripture. Forms such as καθὼς γέγραπται ('as it is written') are common scriptural citation formulas. KJV renders it 'as,' 'even as,' 'according as,' 'how,' or 'when.'
Versículos de ejemplo
- Matthew 21:6 The disciples act 'as Jesus appointed them'—καθώς here marks simple conformity to a prior command.
- Mark 1:2 The phrase 'as it is written in Isaiah the prophet' uses καθώς to introduce a scriptural citation that frames the ministry of John the Baptist.
- Mark 16:7 'As he said unto you'—καθώς ties the angel's command to the disciples to an earlier word of Jesus, identifying the 'he said' as Jesus' own prior promise.
- Luke 1:1 Luke opens his Gospel with καθώς, introducing a narrative 'concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us' and signaling that the account will be measured against what actually took place.
Preguntas frecuentes
What does καθώς mean in English?
It means 'just as,' 'even as,' 'according as,' 'how,' or 'when,' depending on context (Strong's G2531).
How is καθώς different from ὡς?
καθώς is a strengthened comparative form (Hellenistic for καθά) that often introduces a fuller clause or citation, while ὡς is the more general 'as' / 'like.' The KJV consistently distinguishes them but uses the same English word 'as' for both.
What is the formula καθὼς γέγραπται?
It is a scriptural citation formula meaning 'as it is written.' It uses καθώς to tie a New Testament event or saying to an Old Testament text (e.g., Matthew 26:24; Mark 1:2; Mark 9:13).