Greek word · Strong's G2596

κατά

katá · preposition · “down, according to”

In a sentence

Kata is a flexible preposition — «down, according to.» It often introduces standards: «according to the Scriptures,» «according to God's purpose,» «according to grace.»

Kata can mean «down» (literal movement) or «according to» (matching a standard). The New Testament's great phrases ride on it: kata the Scriptures, kata grace, kata God's eternal purpose.

Romans 8:28 leans on it: «those who are called kata his purpose.» When Paul wants to mark something as conformed to a standard, he reaches for kata.

Strong's reference

Definition: (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

KJV usage: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” 1 Corinthians 15:3 “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.