ἀκατάλυτος (G179) — Greek Lexicon

ἀκατάλυτος

akatálytos

G179 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Indissoluble, incapable of being abolished, destroyed, or brought to an end; enduring without interruption or termination. In extended figurative use, describes that which is permanent and not subject to decay or cancellation.

Semantic Range

incapable of being destroyed, indissoluble, indestructible, incapable of abolition, enduring, permanent, lasting, not subject to annulment or cancellation

Root / Etymology

From the alpha privative (ἀ-, denoting 'not' or 'without') attached to a derivative of καταλύω ('to break down, to dissolve, to abolish, to destroy'). Thus, ἀκατάλυτος literally means 'not able to be dissolved or abolished.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in Koine Greek, the term is rare and primarily found in Hebrews 7:16, where it qualifies the character of a priesthood (ἱερωσύνη) as 'indestructible' or 'perpetual.' In this context, it conveys the sense of a quality or state not subject to cessation—a priesthood that is enduring and enduringly effective, in contrast to previous arrangements. The term is not found in extant earlier classical sources. Later, ecclesiastical writers used the word similarly to refer to means, covenants, or realities thought to be permanent or unbreakable. English translations often render the term as 'endless' or 'indestructible,' but this may obscure the primary sense of inability to be annulled or dissolved. Related concepts in Greek are διάπαντος ('continually') or ἀΐδιος ('eternal, everlasting'), but ἀκατάλυτος specifically negates the possibility of being undone, rather than positively asserting duration.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and a derivative of καταλύω; indissoluble, i.e. (figuratively) permanent:--endless.

Root Family

ἀκατάλυτος (akatalytos) — indissoluble, indestructible, incapable of abolition, permanent

Root κατάλῡ- to destroy, to abolish, to dissolve

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G179-01`	ἀκαταλύτου	akatalutou	`ADJ.A GEN F SG`	indestructible	of an indissoluble	indestructible	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G179-01`	Hebrews 7:16	ἀκαταλύτου	akatalutou	`ADJ.A GEN F SG`	indestructible	of an indissoluble	indestructible

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