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G2698 · Greek · New Testament
κατατίθημι
katatithēmi
Verb
to lay down, deposit, confer a favor

Definition

To lay down, to deposit, to place — and by extension, to grant a favor or earn goodwill. Used in Acts of political leaders 'depositing favors' with the Jewish leadership.

Usage & Theological Significance

In Acts 24:27, Felix left Paul in prison to 'grant a favor' (katatithēmi) to the Jews. This word exposes the corruption of justice systems that trade human lives for political capital. Paul — innocent — remains imprisoned because a governor wanted to make a deposit in his political favor bank. The word indicts every system that treats persons as bargaining chips and reminds us that true justice is impartial (Deut 1:17).

Key Bible Verses

Acts 24:27 Desiring to do the Jews a favor [katatithēmi], Felix left Paul in prison.
Acts 25:9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor [katatithēmi], said to Paul, 'Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem?'
Deuteronomy 1:17 You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike.
Proverbs 17:23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.
Micah 6:8 What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly?

Related Words

External Resources

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