Original Word: καθό
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: katho
Pronunciation: kä-tho'
Phonetic Spelling: (kath-o')
KJV: according to that, (inasmuch) as
NASB: according, degree
Word Origin: [from G2596 (κατά - according) and G3739 (ὅς - which)]

1. according to which thing, i.e. precisely as, in proportion as

to the degree that, inasmuch as.

From kata and hos; according to which thing, i.e. Precisely as, in proportion as -- according to that, (inasmuch) as.

see GREEK kata

see GREEK hos

2526 kathó (an adverb, derived from 2596 /katá, "according to" and 3739 /hós, "which") – properly, according to which, "in so far as" (J. Thayer); inasmuch, according to, according to what.

Word Origin
from kata and hos,
Definition
according as
NASB Translation
according (2), degree (1).

STRONGS NT 2526: καθό

καθό (i. e. καθ' ὁ), adverb (from Lysias, and Plato down), according to what, i. e.:

1. as: Romans 8:26.

2. according as; in so far as, so far forth as: 1 Peter 4:13 (Rec.elz καθώς); 2 Corinthians 8:12 (Winers Grammar, 307 (288); cf. Buttmann, § 139, 30).

STRONGS NT 2526: καθολικόςκαθολικός, καθολικη, καθολικον (καθόλου, which see), general, universal (occasionally in secular authors from (Aristotle, and) Polybius down, as καθολικη καί κοινῇ ἱστορία, Polybius 8, 4, 11; often in ecclesiastical writings; the title ἡ καθολικη ἐκκλησία first in Ignatius ad Smyrn. c. 8 [ET] and often in Polycarp, Martyr. (see edition (Gebh. Harn.) Zahn, p. 133 note); cf. καθολικη ἀνάστασις (Justin contra Trypho, 81 under the end); Theophilus ad Autol. (l. i. § 13), p. 40, Otto edition); ἐπιστολαί καθολικαι, or simply καθολικαι, in the title of the Epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude (R G L; cf. τῶν ἑπτά λεγομένων καθολικων SC. ἐπιστολῶν, Eus. h. e. 2, 23, 25), most probably because they seemed to be written not to any one church alone, but to all the churches. (Cf. Dict. of Chris. Antiq. under the word Catholic.)

Semantics and Function

Strong’s Greek 2526, καϑό, is an adverbial conjunction that links two ideas by a principle of correspondence: “in proportion to,” “to the degree that,” or “just as.” It is never ornamental; it establishes a calibrated relationship between realities—ability and obligation, need and provision, suffering and glory. Thus it quietly underscores the coherence of divine logic throughout Scripture.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Romans 8:26 – Paul uses the particle to compare the Spirit’s present ministry with the believer’s present weakness: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness”. The clause that follows (“for we do not know how we ought to pray”) is measured by καϑό: our inability is precisely matched by the Spirit’s intercession.
2. 2 Corinthians 8:12 – Twice in this verse Paul balances willing generosity with actual resources: “For if the willingness is present, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have”. The double use of καϑό frames a safeguard for Christian stewardship—grace-giving is proportionate, never coerced beyond capacity.
3. 1 Peter 4:13 – Peter exhorts saints to rejoice “inasmuch as you share in the sufferings of Christ”. The particle establishes a precise correspondence between present participation in Christ’s sufferings and future participation in His glory (verse 13b).

Exegetical and Theological Significance

A. Proportionate Grace
• Romans 8:26 shows that divine help is not generic but exactly proportioned to human frailty.
• The Spirit’s intercession is not supplementary; it is equal to the believer’s deficiency.

B. Proportionate Giving
• 2 Corinthians 8 displays the Pauline principle that generosity flows from readiness, not pressure.
• Καϑό guards against both legalism (forcing beyond means) and apathy (withholding within means).

C. Proportionate Suffering and Glory
• 1 Peter 4 elevates present affliction by tying it proportionally to future exaltation.
• The correspondence roots Christian joy in eschatological certainty, not sentimental optimism.

Historical Reception

Early church fathers noticed the balancing function of καϑό. Chrysostom (Homily on Romans 14) highlights the Spirit’s aid “as great as our need,” stressing exactness. In patristic commentary on 2 Corinthians, Ambrosiaster argues that Paul’s standard prevents ecclesial exploitation. These observations show the particle’s theological weight was appreciated long before modern linguistic study.

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

1. Prayer Counseling – Romans 8:26 assures believers that divine assistance meets them exactly where comprehension fails. Pastors can confidently invite struggling saints to pray, knowing the Spirit bridges every gap.
2. Stewardship Teaching – 2 Corinthians 8:12 authorizes budget practices that encourage sacrificial yet sustainable giving. It also guides mission appeals: exhortation should be based on willingness and capacity, not guilt.
3. Suffering and Discipleship – 1 Peter 4:13 shapes a theology of suffering that is neither masochistic nor escapist. Congregations enduring opposition can be reminded that present trials measure out future glory.

Canonical Harmony

Καϑό parallels Old Testament concepts of measured reciprocity: “As his strength is, so shall your days be” (Deuteronomy 33:25), and “He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). The particle functions like a grammatical yoke that ties New Testament promise to the long-standing principle of proportionate covenant care.

Conclusion

Though appearing only four times, καϑό carries substantial theological freight. It signals that God’s dealings with His people are always exact—never random, never excessive, never deficient. Whether in prayer, giving, or suffering, the believer may trust that divine provision, expectation, and future glory are perfectly matched, “just as” the wisdom and faithfulness of God require.

καθο καθό καθὸ καθοδηγήσας καθοδηγών καθόδοις καθόδους katho kathòInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts