Brief Overview of αἱρετικός (G141)

The Greek word αἱρετικός (hairetikos) primarily means “heretical” or “divisive.” It is used in the New Testament to describe individuals or teachings that are considered to cause divisions or disputes, often by promoting controversial or divergent beliefs that are viewed as contrary to accepted doctrine.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G141 αἱρετικός (hairetikos): Strong’s defines this term as “heretical” or “factious.” It describes individuals or teachings that lead to divisions or factions within a group, particularly in the context of religious or doctrinal disputes (e.g., Titus 3:10). The term is used to refer to those who cause divisions by promoting dissenting views or beliefs.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἱρετικός means “heretical” or “factious,” referring to someone who causes divisions or parties within a community, particularly due to controversial or divergent beliefs. Thayer’s lexicon explains that this term is used to describe individuals who promote sects or parties, leading to disputes and discord (e.g., Titus 3:10). The focus is on the divisive nature of the teachings or behaviors associated with the term.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB describes αἱρετικός as “heretical” or “factious,” emphasizing its role in causing divisions or disputes within a group. The term is used to refer to those whose beliefs or actions lead to factionalism and disagreements, particularly in a religious or doctrinal context (e.g., Titus 3:10). BDB highlights the term’s connotation of promoting divisive or dissenting views.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon provides a broader definition of αἱρετικός as “heretical” or “factious,” noting its use in Greek literature and the New Testament to describe individuals or teachings that cause divisions. In the context of the New Testament, the term is associated with promoting beliefs or practices that are considered to lead to sectarianism or discord (e.g., Titus 3:10).

In summary, αἱρετικός is used in the New Testament to denote individuals or teachings that are divisive or heretical, causing factions or disputes within a community, especially in the context of religious or doctrinal disagreements.