2 Corinthians 6:10

An Exegetical Study of 2 Corinthians 6:10: The Semantic Nuance of ἔχοντες and κατέχοντες

This exegetical study of 2 Corinthians 6:10 is based on a b-greek discussion from Thu Sep 2 12:58:53 EDT 1999. The initial inquiry sought to understand the distinction Paul intended between the terms ἔχοντες (having) and κατέχοντες (possessing) within the paradoxical statement found in 2 Corinthians 6:10. The discussion explored the potential nuances of the verbal forms, particularly the intensifying or qualifying effect of the prepositional prefix κατα- in κατέχω, and the broader rhetorical context of Paul’s self-description as an apostle.

The main exegetical issue at hand is to ascertain the precise semantic differentiation between ἔχω and κατέχω in this specific context. While ἔχω generally denotes a simple state of possession or having, the compound verb κατέχω carries a range of meanings from “to hold firmly” or “to restrain” to “to possess completely” or “to own.” The challenge lies in determining which of these nuances best illuminates Paul’s paradoxical claim of “having nothing, yet possessing everything,” especially in light of the prevalent academic debate regarding the inherent semantic force of Greek prepositional prefixes like κατα-.

2 Corinthians 6:10 (Nestle 1904):

ὡς μηδὲν ἔχοντες καὶ πάντα κατέχοντες.

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• There are no significant textual differences between Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010 for 2 Corinthians 6:10. Both editions present the same Greek text.

Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)

The textual reading of 2 Corinthians 6:10, specifically concerning the participles ἔχοντες and κατέχοντες, is undisputed across major critical editions, including NA28. No significant variants are noted in the apparatus for this phrase, indicating a high degree of certainty regarding the original wording.

Lexically, both ἔχω and κατέχω are widely attested in Koine Greek. According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature), ἔχω (echō) primarily means “to have, hold, possess.” In 2 Corinthians 6:10, it functions as a participle indicating the state of “having nothing” (μηδὲν ἔχοντες), pointing to a lack of material possessions or worldly advantages. This reflects Paul’s outward appearance of destitution.

The compound verb κατέχω (katechō) is more complex. BDAG provides several semantic domains for κατέχω, including “to hold fast, hold down, restrain,” “to hold, possess, own,” and “to take possession of, gain.” The discussion highlights specific references in Louw & Nida (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains) that are particularly relevant:

• 13.150: “to hold firmly, keep, retain” (e.g., 1 Thess 5:21; 1 Cor 11:2)
• 31.48: “to continue to believe, with the implication of acting in accordance with such belief” (e.g., 1 Cor 15:2)
• 37.17: “to possess, own” (e.g., 1 Cor 7:30, often implying actual control or retention of property).

The choice between these nuances is crucial for 2 Corinthians 6:10. The notion of “holding firmly” or “possessing” in a comprehensive, internal, or spiritual sense appears most fitting for the antithesis. While some grammarians suggest that the prefix κατα- (kata-) generally has an intensifying effect (e.g., κατεσθίω, “to devour,” from ἐσθίω, “to eat”; κατακαίω, “to burn up,” from καίω, “to burn”), this effect is not universally applied and is highly context-dependent. As noted in the discussion, κατέχω is “polysemous,” meaning its specific sense in a given context derives significantly from that context rather than a fixed “core meaning” of the prefix. In 2 Corinthians 6:10, the rhetorical contrast itself primarily shapes the meaning.

KITTEL (Friedrich, G. (Ed.). (1964–1976). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament) indicates that while ἔχω broadly signifies “to have” or “to hold,” κατέχω, with its κατα- prefix, often implies a more decisive, firm, or comprehensive grasp. This can extend to literal possession, maintaining control, or holding fast to beliefs and traditions. In the context of 2 Corinthians 6:10, it points towards a deeper, spiritual reality of possession or retention that transcends material lack.

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The phrase ὡς μηδὲν ἔχοντες καὶ πάντα κατέχοντες functions as an adverbial participle clause, modifying the implied “we” (the apostles) and describing their paradoxical state. Both ἔχοντες and κατέχοντες are present active participles, emphasizing an ongoing state or characteristic of Paul and his co-workers.

Grammatically, the antithetical structure is clear: “as having nothing AND everything possessing.” The contrast is between external, material deprivation (μηδὲν ἔχοντες) and an internal, spiritual abundance (πάντα κατέχοντες). The crucial analytical task lies in interpreting κατέχοντες in light of this paradox. The discussion highlighted that the choice of κατέχω over a simple repetition of ἔχω is likely due to rhetorical effect as much as a specific, inherent difference in the “sense of the word.” The prefix κατα-, while not always intensifying, here seems to convey a sense of secure, comprehensive, or profound possession, contrasting sharply with the “having nothing.”

Rhetorically, this verse is the culmination of a list of adversities and qualities that mark Paul’s apostolic ministry (2 Cor 6:3-10). Paul frequently employs paradox to describe the nature of his service and the Christian life (e.g., “weak, yet strong”; “poor, yet making many rich”). This particular paradox, “as having nothing, yet possessing everything,” powerfully encapsulates the apostles’ worldly vulnerability combined with their spiritual wealth and divine commission. They may lack worldly goods, but they possess Christ, the Spirit, the truth of the Gospel, and all the spiritual blessings and promises that come with their union with God. The comprehensive nature of “everything” (πάντα) suggests that their possession is not merely “some things” but a totality, understood in a spiritual or eschatological sense. The use of κατέχω here could therefore imply a firm grasp on, or a comprehensive ownership of, these spiritual realities, which are ultimately more valuable than any material possession.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The exegetical analysis of 2 Corinthians 6:10 reveals that Paul intentionally chose κατέχω to contrast with ἔχω, not merely for stylistic variation, but to convey a profound theological paradox. While ἔχω describes a literal lack of material possessions, κατέχω points to a deeper, more comprehensive, and secure form of possession related to spiritual realities. The prefix κατα-, in this context, effectively emphasizes the totality and firmness of this “possession,” distinguishing it from mere superficial “having.” The strength of the paradox lies in this distinction: outwardly destitute, yet inwardly enriched and holding fast to all that truly matters in God’s economy.

Here are three translation suggestions, each highlighting a specific nuance:

1. As having nothing, yet firmly possessing everything.
   This translation emphasizes the steadfast hold on spiritual realities, suggesting a conscious and secure grasp of what is truly valuable.
2. As having nothing, yet owning everything.
   This version highlights the comprehensive and legitimate ownership of spiritual wealth and divine inheritance, despite material deprivation.
3. As having nothing, yet holding sway over everything.
   This interpretation stresses a sense of mastery or comprehensive control over all things, possibly alluding to the believer’s co-heir status with Christ and authority in the spiritual realm.