Katalambano denotes reaching or gaining something, while also describing overtaking, seizing, or coming to understand.

The attested uses most often concern reaching, obtaining, or fully taking hold of a goal or object; they also describe an overpowering or overtaking action and the arrival at an understanding or finding. The surrounding clauses distinguish these uses: a prize, dimensions, and righteousness are pursued or obtained, while darkness and a harmful force overtake or seize, and observers come to a realization.

1. Attaining or taking hold of what is sought · dominant

   In 1 Corinthians 9:24, the aorist active subjunctive occurs in the exhortation to run so as to receive the prize; the APB renders the final clause "that you may grasp it." In Ephesians 3:18, the aorist middle infinitive concerns having power to grasp the stated dimensions, while Philippians 3:12 and Philippians 3:13 place the forms in pursuit of something not yet counted as attained. Romans 9:30 uses the aorist active indicative in the conclusion that Gentiles obtained righteousness.

   1 Corinthians 9:24Ephesians 3:18Philippians 3:12Philippians 3:13Romans 9:30
2. Overtaking, overcoming, or seizing · common

   In 1 Thessalonians 5:4 and John 12:35, the aorist active subjunctive stands in clauses where a day or darkness may overtake someone; the APB renders "overtake you" in both contexts. John 1:5 uses the aorist active indicative in the statement that darkness did not overcome the light, and Mark 9:18 places the same subjunctive form where a force seizes a person and throws him down.

   1 Thessalonians 5:4John 12:35John 1:5Mark 9:18
3. Coming to understand or determine · common

   Acts 10:34 uses the present middle indicative as Peter opens his speech; the APB renders the statement "Truly I understand." In Acts 4:13, the aorist middle participle accompanies the observers' response to Peter and John's boldness and lack of formal learning, rendered "realized," while Acts 25:25 introduces a finding about the man's conduct.

   Acts 10:34Acts 4:13Acts 25:25

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB varies its presentation across the verses, using "grasp," "obtained," "overtake," "overcome," "seizes," "understand," "realized," and "found." These renderings show the clauses' differing contexts rather than fixed English equivalents.