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καθαίρεσις (kathairesis)

kathairesis

destruction

G2506 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun kathairesis denotes a pulling down or demolition, carrying the concrete sense of tearing apart structures that have been built. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within the letters of Paul to the Corinthians. The word describes an act of dismantling, whether physical or metaphorical.

Paul uses this term figuratively in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 to describe spiritual warfare, where weapons are strong enough to demolish arguments and every proud obstacle that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. This usage stands in direct contrast to oikodome, the Greek word for building up or edification. While one term constructs and strengthens, the other tears down and removes.

The root verb kathaireo implies a thorough removal, suggesting that what is destroyed is not merely damaged but completely taken apart. By placing this word alongside its opposite in passages like 2 Corinthians 13:10, Paul highlights a clear dichotomy: the Christian mission involves actively removing falsehoods to make way for truth and stability.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word kathairesis describes a thorough pulling down, much like demolishing an old structure to clear the ground. In Paul’s letters, it appears only three times, always in contrast to building up. This reminds us that spiritual growth often requires removing what no longer serves God—pride, false arguments, or habits that block our view of Him.

When we face mental strongholds or doubts, this word offers hope. It is not about harshness but about clarity. The tools we use are not worldly force but divine strength, capable of dismantling every obstacle that rises against knowing God. This process makes room for truth to take root.

Paul writes from a place of care, not control. He uses this authority to build others up, ensuring that what is torn down does so only to make way for something stable and true. In your own life, trust that God’s work involves both removal and construction, guided by love rather than fear.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • tearing down.1×
  • tearing down1×
  • [the] demolition1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • καθαίρεσιν2×
  • καθαίρεσιν.¶1×

Key Verses

  • II Corinthians 10:4
    for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,

    This verse defines the spiritual nature of the word, showing that the 'pulling down' targets arguments and pride, not people.

  • II Corinthians 10:8
    For even if I boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for casting you down, I will not be ashamed,

    Here Paul clarifies that his authority was given to build up believers, ensuring the act of destruction serves edification.

  • II Corinthians 13:10
    For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

    Paul explains his writing purpose is to preserve the authority God gave him for building up, not for tearing down unnecessarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does kathairesis mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek noun meaning destruction or pulling down. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to dismantling spiritual strongholds or false arguments that oppose God’s truth.

How is kathairesis different from oikodome?

Kathairesis means tearing down, while oikodome means building up. Paul uses them as opposites to show that spiritual authority aims to remove falsehoods so that truth can be established.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears only three times, all in 2 Corinthians (verses 10:4, 10:8, and 13:10). Paul uses it to describe the power of spiritual warfare and the purpose of apostolic authority.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

II Corinthians 3 verses
II Corinthians 10:4

for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,

II Corinthians 10:8

For even if I boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for…

II Corinthians 13:10

For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority…