"to perceive, understand, apprehend, Lk. 20:23; to observe, consider, contemplate, Lk. 12:24, 27; to discern, detect, Mt. 7:3; to have regard to, make account of, Rom. 4:19"
Definition and meaning
to perceive, understand, apprehend, Lk. 20:23; to observe, consider, contemplate, Lk. 12:24, 27; to discern, detect, Mt. 7:3; to have regard to, make account of, Rom. 4:19
In the original Greek the word is written: κατανοέω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of katanoeo (G2657) across the King James Bible.
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,
Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
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Common questions
Strong's G2657 (katanoeo) is a Greek word that means: to perceive, understand, apprehend, Lk. 20:23; to observe, consider, contemplate, Lk. 12:24, 27; to discern, detect, Mt. 7:3; to have regard to, make account of, Rom. 4:19 It appears 14 times in the King James Bible.
The word katanoeo (G2657) appears 14 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2657 is katanoeo, a Greek word defined as: to perceive, understand, apprehend, Lk. 20:23; to observe, consider, contemplate, Lk. 12:24, 27; to discern, detect, Mt. 7:3; to have regard to, make . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
katanoeo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.