καθαίρεσις
kathaíresis
G2506 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The act of tearing down, demolishing, or dismantling something; in a figurative context, the bringing to an end, removal, or abolition of a structure, authority, or argument. Primarily refers to a concrete action of destruction or removal, but can be used in contexts extending to the suppression or nullification of non-physical entities (such as ideas or objections).
Semantic Range
demolition, destruction, razing (of buildings or physical structures); removal or overthrow (of persons, arguments, institutions); suppression or extinction (of abstract entities)
Root / Etymology
From the verb καθαιρέω (kathaireō), 'to take down, demolish, depose.' The noun is formed with the suffix -σις, denoting the action or result of the verb.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, καθαίρεσις commonly describes the demolition of structures such as walls, fortifications, or buildings, often in military or civil engineering contexts. By the Hellenistic period, figurative uses appear, such as the dismantling of institutions or overturning of arguments. In the New Testament (e.g., 2 Corinthians 10:4), καθαίρεσις is used exclusively in a figurative sense, referring to the destruction or nullification of arguments or obstacles, reflecting broader Greek usage for the removal or defeat of intangible entities. Older English versions translate the term narrowly as 'pulling down' or 'destruction,' which may not fully capture its metaphorical reach. Related terms include καταστροφή (catastrophe, overturning), though καθαίρεσις focuses more on the process and deliberate act of removal, rather than sudden collapse.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from καθαιρέω; demolition; figuratively, extinction:--destruction, pulling down.
Root Family
καθαίρεσις (kathairesis) — demolition, destruction, overthrow, removal
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2506-01 |
καθαίρεσιν | kathairesin | N ACC F SG |
tearing down | demolition | demolition | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2506-01 |
2 Corinthians 10:4 | καθαίρεσιν | kathairesin | N ACC F SG |
destruction | demolition | demolition |
G2506-01 |
2 Corinthians 10:8 | καθαίρεσιν | kathairesin | N ACC F SG |
tearing down | demolition | demolition |
G2506-01 |
2 Corinthians 13:10 | καθαίρεσιν | kathairesin | N ACC F SG |
tearing down | demolition | demolition |