αἱρετικός (ahiretikos)
ahiretikos
schismatic
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective hairesikos describes someone who is prone to forming divisions or factions. Derived from a root meaning "to choose," it originally referred to one capable of making selections, but in Scripture it takes on a negative sense. It characterizes a person who insists on their own chosen path, effectively splitting the community by promoting distinct sects or false teachings.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Titus 3:10. Paul instructs believers to warn such a person after one or two corrections. The term here points to someone whose divisive nature is not merely a difference of opinion but a persistent refusal to maintain unity, creating schisms within the church body.
Translators often render this as "heretic" or "schismatic." While modern usage might focus solely on doctrinal error, the Greek emphasis is on the act of dividing. The word highlights the social and communal damage caused by those who prioritize their own choices over the peace and integrity of the church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hairesikos describes someone who creates divisions by insisting on their own chosen path. In Titus 3:10, Paul warns believers to avoid a person who causes factions after repeated warnings. This term highlights the social damage caused when individuals prioritize personal preferences over the unity of the church body.
Understanding this word helps us see that division is not just a difference of opinion but a persistent refusal to maintain peace. It reminds us that our choices impact the whole community. We are called to value harmony and integrity in our relationships with other believers.
This teaching invites us to examine our own hearts. Do we seek to build up others, or do we create unnecessary splits? By avoiding divisive behavior, we protect the church's witness and foster an environment where everyone can grow together in faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- A factious1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἱρετικὸν1×
Key Verses
-
Titus 3:10
Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning,
This verse provides the only New Testament usage of the word, instructing believers to warn and then avoid a person who persists in creating factions.