Pronunciation Guide: hah’-ee-res-is (emphasis on first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G139: αἵρεσις (hairesis) fundamentally means “choice” or “option,” developing to mean a self-chosen opinion, a religious or philosophical sect, or party. In biblical usage, it often carries the connotation of divisive party-spirit or factions that deviate from orthodox teaching. While initially a neutral term for a school of thought, it evolved to describe harmful sectarian divisions within the early church.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun
• Root Word: αἱρέομαι (haireomai) – to choose, prefer, elect
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Doctrinal and ecclesiastical contexts
• Literary Genre: Primarily in narrative and epistolary literature

αἵρεσις Morphology:

• αἵρεσις (nominative singular) – a sect/faction
• αἱρέσεως (genitive singular) – of a sect/faction
• αἱρέσει (dative singular) – to/for a sect/faction
• αἵρεσιν (accusative singular) – a sect/faction
• αἱρέσεις (nominative/accusative plural) – sects/factions

Origin & History

The term αἵρεσις originated in classical Greek philosophy, where it neutrally described a school of thought or philosophical sect. Notably, Diogenes Laertius used it extensively in his “Lives of Eminent Philosophers” to categorize different philosophical schools.

In Hellenistic Judaism, as evidenced in Josephus’s writings, αἵρεσις described the major Jewish sects – Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes – without necessarily negative connotation. However, the term underwent a significant semantic shift in early Christian usage.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A chosen course of thought or action
• A sect or party formed by choice
• A divisive group promoting false teaching
• A system of religious beliefs contrary to orthodox doctrine

αἵρεσις Translation Options:

• “Sect” – Emphasizes the organizational and social aspects
• “Party” – Highlights the factional nature
• “Division” – Focuses on the separatist element
• “Heresy” – Stresses doctrinal deviation (later ecclesiastical usage)

Biblical Usage

The term first appears in Acts 5:17, describing the “sect party” of the Sadducees. This usage reflects its transitional meaning between neutral philosophical schools and divisive factions. Throughout Acts, Luke uses it to describe both Jewish sects and the emerging Christian movement.

Paul’s usage marks a decisive shift toward viewing αἵρεσις negatively, particularly in his epistles where he lists it among works of the flesh. This transformation reflects early Christianity’s growing self-understanding as the one true faith rather than merely one philosophical school among many.

• “Then the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the sect [αἵρεσις] of the Sadducees).” Acts 5:17
• “For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect [αἵρεσις] of the Nazarenes.” Acts 24:5
• “But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect [αἵρεσις], we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” Acts 28:22
• “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are…dissensions, heresies [αἵρεσις].” Galatians 5:19-20
• “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies [αἵρεσις].” 2 Peter 2:1

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, philosophical schools were typically organized around a founding teacher and his successors, with distinct doctrinal positions and lifestyle practices. These schools (αἱρέσεις) were legitimate social institutions, often competing for followers among the educated elite.

The Jewish use of αἵρεσις reflected this cultural pattern, with different sects maintaining distinct interpretations of Torah and ritual practices. This background illuminates why early Christians initially accepted being called a αἵρεσις, before theological development necessitated rejection of this categorization.

Theological Significance

The semantic journey of αἵρεσις from neutral “choice” to negative “heresy” reflects a crucial theological development in early Christianity. It marks the church’s self-understanding as the unique bearer of divine truth rather than one option among many valid paths.

This transformation carries profound implications for Christian unity and orthodoxy. The New Testament’s negative use of αἵρεσις emphasizes that truth in Christ isn’t merely a matter of personal preference or philosophical choice, but rather faithful adherence to apostolic teaching preserved in the church.

The term’s evolution also highlights the tension between legitimate diversity within Christian unity and destructive division – a tension the church continues to navigate today.

Personal Application

Understanding αἵρεσις challenges us to examine our own theological positions and church affiliations. Are our distinctives expressions of legitimate diversity within Christian unity, or have they become divisive factions that harm the body of Christ?

This word study reminds us that while we may hold different interpretations on secondary matters, the essential truths of the faith should unite rather than divide us. It calls us to pursue truth while maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Related Words

• σχίσμα (schisma) – split, division, separation – highlights physical division rather than doctrinal deviation See G4978
• διχοστασία (dichostasia) – dissension, division – emphasizes the act of standing apart See G1370
• διαμερισμός (diamerismos) – division, discord – focuses on the distribution or parsing of groups See G1267
• παράδοσις (paradosis) – tradition, teaching handed down – contrasts with self-chosen opinions See G3862

Did you Know?

• The English word “heresy” derives directly from αἵρεσις, though its meaning has become more specifically focused on false doctrine rather than sectarianism in general.
• In modern Greek, αἵρεσις still maintains its connection to choice and preference, being used in contexts like consumer choice and political affiliation, showing how language evolves while maintaining semantic links to original meanings.
• The term’s development from “philosophical school” to “heresy” took place primarily within the first century of Christian history, one of the fastest documented semantic shifts in ancient religious vocabulary.

Remember This

αἵρεσις reminds us that Christian truth isn’t a matter of personal choice but of faithful adherence to the apostolic gospel that unites rather than divides Christ’s church.