Original Word: κατάβασις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: katabasis
Pronunciation: kä-tä'-bä-sēs
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ab'-as-is)
KJV: descent
NASB: descent
Word Origin: [from G2597 (καταβαίνω - come down)]

1. a declivity

descent.

From katabaino; a declivity -- descent.

see GREEK katabaino

Word Origin
from katabainó
Definition
descent
NASB Translation
descent (1).

STRONGS NT 2600: κατάβασις

κατάβασις, καταβάσεως, ἡ (καταβαίνω) (from Herodotus down), descent;

a. the act of descending.

b. the place of descent: τοῦ ὄρους, i. e. that part of the mountain where the descent is made, Luke 19:37; so Joshua 10:11 the Sept.; Diodorus 4, 21; opposed to ἀνάβασις, the place of ascent way up, 1 Macc. 3:16, 24; Xenophon, Cyril 7, 2, 3. So Latindescensus; cf. Herzog on Sall. Cat. 57, 3.

Meaning in Context of Luke 19:37

The sole New Testament occurrence of κατάβασις appears in Luke 19:37, describing Jesus “descending the Mount of Olives” during His triumphal entry. Luke uses the term to locate the scene geographically and narratively: the route slopes from the ridge east of Jerusalem down toward the Kidron Valley before rising again to the Temple Mount. The descent marks the transition from Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee and Perea to His climactic Passion in Jerusalem.

Geographical and Historical Backdrop

In the first century the road from Bethany across the Mount of Olives was crowded with Passover pilgrims. Josephus notes that the city’s population swelled dramatically during the feast. Descending that road, travelers would have a panoramic view of Jerusalem. The people’s acclamation—“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 19:38)—was heightened by the natural amphitheater created by the descent. Luke’s single word evokes this well-known path and every Jew’s memory of approaching the Temple for worship (Psalm 122:1).

Literary Significance in Luke’s Narrative

Luke’s Gospel often highlights geographical movement to underscore salvation history (Luke 9:51; Luke 10:30; Acts 1:11). The descent from the Mount of Olives prefigures another: Christ’s imminent descent into death and the grave, followed by His resurrection and ascension. In Luke’s structure, the κατάβασις functions like a hinge: from prophetic ministry to Messianic fulfillment. The jubilant descent contrasts sharply with the sorrowful ascent to Golgotha a few days later (Luke 23:26-33).

Symbolism of Descent in Scripture

1. Divine Condescension: “The LORD came down on Mount Sinai” (Exodus 19:20). God’s redemptive initiatives often involve a coming down to meet humanity.
2. Humiliation and Exaltation: Philippians 2:6-8 describes Christ’s voluntary “descent” in incarnation and obedience unto death, followed by exaltation.
3. Spiritual Warning: Proverbs 7:27 cautions that sinful paths “descend to the chambers of death,” showing the moral dimension that a downward movement can carry.
4. Eschatological Hope: Revelation 21:2 pictures the New Jerusalem “coming down out of heaven,” a future descent that secures the believer’s hope.

Christological Reflections

By portraying Jesus on a literal downhill path, Luke foreshadows the greater downward movement of Philippians 2: the Son of God stepping from heavenly glory into human frailty. Yet even in descent, He receives royal acclaim. The episode thus teaches that humility and kingship coexist perfectly in Christ. His willingness to descend guarantees the believer’s ultimate ascent with Him (Ephesians 2:6).

Eschatological Overtones

Zechariah 14:4 foretells that the Messiah’s feet will stand on the Mount of Olives at the Day of the LORD, splitting the mountain in two. Luke’s mention of the descent subtly alludes to this prophecy, inviting readers to anticipate Jesus’ future return along the same geographical stage on which He was once welcomed.

Practical Ministry Insights

• Servant Leadership: True authority flows from humble descent, not self-advancement.
• Worship in the Journey: The crowds praised God “for all the miracles they had seen” (Luke 19:37). Thanksgiving should accompany every step toward God’s purposes, even when the path slopes downward.
• Prophetic Preparation: Ministers today, like Jesus, must recognize moments that transition from public favor to sacrificial obedience.

Key Cross-References

Exodus 19:20; Psalm 122:1-4; Zechariah 14:4; Matthew 21:1-11; John 12:12-16; Philippians 2:6-11; Revelation 21:2.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 2600, though used only once, anchors a pivotal Gospel moment. The descent from the Mount of Olives encapsulates the paradox of Christ’s ministry: downward movement that inaugurates upward redemption. For believers, it is a call to follow the King in humble obedience, confident that every God-directed descent ultimately leads to glory.

καταβασει καταβάσει καταβάσεως κατάβασιν κατεβιάζετο κατεβιάζοντο κατεβιάσατο katabasei katabáseiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts