Greek word · G2648

καταμανθάνω

katamanthanō

to consider

To learn thoroughly, examine closely, observe with attention, take note of. The prefix κατα- makes "learn" (μανθάνω) more intense.

Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

κατα-μανθάνω

[in LXX: Genesis 34:1 (רָאָה), Job 35:4 (5) (שׁוּר), Sirach 9:5, 8, al. ;]

to learn thoroughly, observe well, consider carefully (on distinction bet. κ. and μανθάνω, cf. M, Pr., 117): Matthew 6:28.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Matthew 6:28

Range of meaning

To learn thoroughly, examine closely, observe with attention, take note of. The prefix κατα- makes "learn" (μανθάνω) more intense.

Against the English

"Consider" (KJV, BSB, ESV, WEB) is acceptable, but modern "consider" can sound like a passing thought. NASB's "observe" and YLT's "consider well" catch the close attention better. NIV's "see" is the weakest. The word asks for study that ends in a lesson learned.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Septuagint it is used of Abraham's servant closely watching Rebekah at the well to learn whether God had prospered his journey (Gen 24:21). It occurs in classical Greek in the sense of "observe, understand." It occurs only here in the New Testament.

Where it appears

Matthew · 1

  1. Matthew 6:28 καταμάθετε do observe

    And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin.

    Here: A command, and the only time this word appears in the New Testament. It is built on the verb "to learn" with a prefix that adds intensity: look closely and take the lesson in. It is stronger than "look at" (ἐμβλέψατε) in v. 26 about the birds.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.