Brief Overview of καθαίρεσις (Strong’s G2506: katháiresis)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words like καθαίρεσις (katháiresis) is crucial for deepening our comprehension of biblical texts and the cultural context in which they were written. καθαίρεσις is particularly significant in New Testament interpretation, as it relates to the concept of “demolition” or “pulling down,” often in a metaphorical or spiritual sense. This word appears in contexts where the destruction of false beliefs, arguments, or physical objects is emphasized, reflecting both literal and figurative meanings.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: καθαίρεσις (katháiresis), pronounced [ka-tha-EE-re-sis].
• Etymology: Derived from καθαιρέω (kathaireō), meaning “to take down” or “to demolish,” which itself comes from κατά (kata, “down”) and αἱρέω (haireō, “to take”).
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine).
• Declension: Third declension.
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Primary Meanings

• Demolition: The act of tearing down or destroying.
• Destruction: Often used in a metaphorical sense, such as the destruction of arguments or spiritual strongholds.
• Pulling down: The process of taking down or dismantling something, either physically or metaphorically.

Similar Words: καθαιρέω (kathaireō) [ka-tha-EE-re-o] – The verb form meaning “to take down” or “demolish,” which shares the same root as καθαίρεσις. While καθαιρέω is an action (verb), καθαίρεσις denotes the result or process (noun).

Further Insights: καθαίρεσις is a third declension noun in Greek, meaning its endings change based on its grammatical case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative). This word’s morphological structure reveals its compound nature, combining κατά (“down”) and αἱρέω (“to take”), giving it a strong visual and metaphorical sense of bringing something down to the ground or dismantling it piece by piece.

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: καθαίρεσις is discussed as “demolition” or “pulling down,” particularly in spiritual contexts, such as demolishing arguments or strongholds.
• Thayers: Defines καθαίρεσις as “a pulling down” or “demolition,” indicating both physical destruction and metaphorical applications in spiritual warfare.
• Vines: Highlights the metaphorical use of καθαίρεσις in the New Testament, emphasizing its usage in passages that discuss the destruction of false beliefs or evil systems.
• LSJ: Points to its classical usage in both literal and figurative senses, referring to the taking down of walls or structures as well as arguments.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists καθαίρεσις under G2506 and emphasizes its root in καθαιρέω, underscoring its relevance in the spiritual context of “demolishing” falsehoods.

Related Scripture References

• 2 Corinthians 10:4 – “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but have divine power to destroy [καθαίρεσις] strongholds.”
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We destroy [καθαίρεσις] arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

Classical Usage

καθαίρεσις is used in classical Greek literature to describe both physical and metaphorical destruction or pulling down of structures or ideas.

Summary of καθαίρεσις (G2506: katháiresis)

καθαίρεσις (katháiresis) serves as a significant term in both classical and biblical Greek, denoting the act of “pulling down” or “demolition.” Its usage in the New Testament, especially in 2 Corinthians, conveys the metaphorical destruction of false teachings, ideologies, and spiritual strongholds. The term reflects a powerful imagery of dismantling that which stands opposed to divine truth, providing insight into the biblical understanding of spiritual warfare and transformation.

Did You Know?

• καθαίρεσις is related to the English word “catharsis,” both involving a form of cleansing or removal.
• In classical architecture, καθαίρεσις could refer to the dismantling of enemy defenses during warfare.
• The root verb καθαιρέω is used in various contexts, from philosophical discussions about truth to literal demolition in historical battles.

Understanding καθαίρεσις provides a deeper appreciation for the imagery and message in biblical passages that address spiritual warfare and the triumph of truth over falsehood.