Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies, as it provides a richer understanding of the original texts’ depth and context. The Greek word κατακλάω (katakláō) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of breaking or shattering something completely. This verb appears in the New Testament to describe acts of breaking, such as breaking bread or breaking objects in a more figurative sense. By exploring κατακλάω, we gain insight into how early Christians and ancient Greek culture used this term to express ideas of physical action, spiritual symbolism, and communal practices.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατακλάω (katakláō) [ka-ta-KLA-o]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down” or “against”) and κλάω (kláō, meaning “to break” or “to snap”).
• Part of Speech: Verb; it appears in various tenses, voices, and moods, primarily in the aorist and present indicative forms.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To break or shatter completely.
• To break down, in both a literal and figurative sense.
• To break bread, particularly in the context of a communal meal or fellowship.

Similar Words: A related Greek word is κλάω (kláō) [KLA-o], which also means “to break.” However, while κλάω refers to breaking in a general sense, κατακλάω emphasizes a more complete or forceful breaking action, suggested by the prefix κατά, which implies a thorough or downward motion.

Further Insights: The verb κατακλάω is composed of the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and κλάω (kláō), meaning “to break.” This construction suggests a stronger or more decisive action of breaking. Below is a table showing the present indicative active form of κατακλάω:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines κατακλάω as “to break apart” or “to shatter,” emphasizing its use in contexts where objects or bread are broken, such as in the practice of breaking bread in fellowship or communion.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes κατακλάω as “to break down” or “to break in pieces,” often used in the New Testament to depict the breaking of bread in a communal or sacred setting.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the verb’s meaning of “to break” or “to shatter,” highlighting its application in both literal and figurative contexts, such as breaking bread during the Lord’s Supper.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that κατακλάω was used in classical Greek to denote breaking or shattering, often in contexts of destruction or division, whether of physical objects or metaphorical barriers.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines κατακλάω as “to break” or “to break down,” underscoring its application in both literal and metaphorical senses of breaking or dividing.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 24:35 – “Then they told what had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking [κατακλάσει] of the bread.”
• Acts 2:46 – “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking [κατακλώντες] bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.”
• Acts 20:11 – “When he had gone up and had broken [κατακλάσας] the bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατακλάω (G2622: katakláō)

The Greek verb κατακλάω, meaning “to break” or “to shatter completely,” is vital for understanding themes of division, destruction, and communal practices in both Biblical and classical contexts. It is often used in the New Testament to describe the breaking of bread, particularly in the context of fellowship or communion, symbolizing unity, remembrance, and sharing. Its use in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint further illustrates its significance in conveying ideas of breaking, whether literally, as in the breaking of objects, or metaphorically, as in breaking down barriers or conflicts. By studying κατακλάω, readers gain a clearer understanding of how the concept of breaking is portrayed across different cultural and theological settings.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The prefix “kata-” in κατακλάω intensifies the verb, suggesting a thorough or complete breaking, different from the simpler κλάω, which just means “to break.”
• Fact 2: In the New Testament, κατακλάω is often associated with the act of breaking bread, which was a central practice in early Christian communities symbolizing unity and remembrance.
• Fact 3: In ancient Greek culture, breaking an object could symbolize destruction, division, or even a form of sacrificial offering, reflected in the varied use of κατακλάω.

Understanding κατακλάω provides valuable insights into Biblical narratives and classical Greek literature, showing how language conveys themes of destruction, unity, and transformation through the imagery of breaking.