Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it allows readers to grasp the deeper meanings behind the texts. The Greek word καταστρέφω (katastrephō) is particularly significant due to its strong connotations of destruction, overturning, and transformation. It provides insight into both New Testament interpretation and ancient Greek culture. This word appears in contexts that describe physical destruction, the overthrowing of cities or empires, and figurative spiritual or moral ruin, thereby offering rich layers of meaning for both theological reflection and historical understanding.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καταστρέφω (katastrephō) [ka-ta-STRE-foh]
• Etymology: Derived from κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and στρέφω (strephō), meaning “to turn” or “to twist.” The combined meaning is “to turn down” or “to overturn.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; it conveys action, specifically relating to turning something upside down, overthrowing, or causing destruction.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To turn upside down or overturn.
• To overthrow or destroy, particularly in the context of cities or structures.
• To bring to ruin or cause to perish.
• Metaphorically, to subvert or cause spiritual or moral ruin.

Similar Words

• ἀναστρέφω (anastrephō) [a-na-STRE-foh]: Means “to turn back” or “to return.” It can also mean “to live” or “to conduct oneself,” focusing on a reversal or change of direction, but not necessarily with a destructive connotation.
• καταλύω (katalyō) [ka-ta-LY-oh]: Means “to destroy” or “to dissolve.” It is often used in a more legal or institutional sense, such as dissolving an agreement or breaking down a physical structure.
• ἐκβάλλω (ekballō) [ek-BAL-loh]: Means “to throw out” or “to cast out.” While it can imply forceful removal, it does not necessarily carry the sense of overturning or destruction inherent in καταστρέφω.

Morphological Features

• Tense, Voice, Mood: As a verb, καταστρέφω can be used in various tenses (present, aorist, perfect, etc.), voices (active, middle, passive), and moods (indicative, subjunctive, imperative, etc.).
• Person and Number: It is conjugated in different persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and numbers (singular, plural), which affect its meaning and usage in sentences.
• Aspect: The verb’s aspect (imperfective, perfective, stative) influences how the action is viewed—whether as ongoing, completed, or in a state of being.

Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative Active form of καταστρέφω:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

The term καταστρέφω (katastrephō) appears in various Greek lexicons, revealing its diverse applications in both biblical and classical contexts. In the New Testament, καταστρέφω frequently describes the literal destruction of cities or structures, as well as metaphorical ideas of subversion or spiritual downfall. For example, Jesus uses this term to describe the complete destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. In classical literature, the word similarly conveys the notion of complete destruction, both in warfare and in natural disasters. Its theological implications often revolve around divine judgment or the overthrow of sinful systems and structures, underscoring the transformative and often catastrophic nature of God’s intervention.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 21:12: “And Jesus entered the temple of God and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and overturned [κατέστρεψεν] the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.”
• Titus 1:11: “Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert [καταστρέφουσιν] whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.”
• 2 Peter 2:6: “And turning [καταστρέψας] the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταστρέφω (G2690)

The Greek word καταστρέφω (katastrephō) carries powerful imagery of destruction, overturning, and subversion, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. It is used both in the New Testament and classical Greek literature to describe actions of forceful transformation—often judgment or the complete dismantling of systems, structures, or cities. Understanding this term provides key insights into biblical narratives and ancient Greek culture, shedding light on the concepts of justice, judgment, and societal upheaval.

Did You Know?

1. The word καταστρέφω is also used in the Septuagint to describe the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing divine judgment.
2. In the New Testament, καταστρέφω is often used metaphorically to describe the moral or spiritual subversion of households or communities.
3. The root στρέφω (strephō) is related to many other Greek words that involve turning or twisting, each carrying nuanced meanings in different contexts.