κατενώπιον
katenōpion
before
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word κατενώπιον (katenōpion) is translated as "before." This word provides a temporal reference point for actions or events, indicating that something occurred prior to another occurrence. Its definition is singular and straightforward, emphasizing a sense of time or sequence. The three occurrences of κατενώπιον in the Bible suggest a versatile yet limited use of this word. It's likely used in distinct contexts to clarify the chronology of events, emphasizing the connection or separation between actions happening at different times. By examining the specific passages where κατενώπιον appears, we may gain a deeper understanding of its function and significance within the biblical narrative. The significance of κατενώπιον, within its limited occurrences, lies in its role as a tool for clarifying temporal relationships between events. By introducing this temporal marker, the author of the biblical text may emphasize important connections or distinctions between events that are unfolding over time.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love,
Colossians 1:22yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without defect and blameless before him,
Jude 1:24Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy,