καθαιρέω (kathaireō)
kathaireō
to take down
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kathaireō means to take down or remove something that has been erected. In the New Testament, it is most frequently used as a technical term for removing a body from a cross after death. This specific usage appears in Mark 15:46 and Luke 23:53, describing how Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body down, and again in Acts 13:29 regarding the removal of Jesus’ body from the tree.
Beyond this physical sense, the word carries a broader meaning of pulling down or destroying by force. It describes God bringing down the mighty (Luke 1:52) or nations being overthrown (Acts 13:19). The imagery extends to spiritual contexts as well; in 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul uses it metaphorically to describe demolishing arguments and every proud obstacle that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.
This word combines the idea of complete removal with a sense of finality. Unlike terms that might imply moving something aside, kathaireō suggests dismantling a structure entirely. Whether applied to a cross, a fortress of pride, or an empire, it signifies a decisive act of taking down what has been built up.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kathaireō describes a decisive act of removal, whether it is taking a body down from a cross or pulling down a fortress of pride. In Mark 15:46 and Luke 23:53, we see Joseph of Arimathea using this term to gently remove Jesus’ body after the crucifixion. This physical act highlights the finality of death and the care taken in burial, showing that even in grief, there is order and respect.
Paul expands this imagery in 2 Corinthians 10:5, though he uses a related form, to describe how we demolish arguments that oppose God’s truth. The word suggests not just moving something aside, but dismantling it completely. For your faith, this reminds us that spiritual obstacles are meant to be taken down, leaving room for humility and understanding.
When you face challenges that seem like towering structures of doubt or fear, remember that these can be removed. God’s power is sufficient to take down what stands against His knowledge. This gives hope that no obstacle is too great when we seek His wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having taken down2×
- to take down1×
- having taken [Him] down1×
- having destroyed1×
- deposing1×
- I will tear down1×
- He has brought down1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καθελὼν3×
- καθεῖλεν1×
- καθελῶ1×
- καθελόντες1×
- καθελεῖν1×
- καθαιρεῖσθαι1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 15:46
He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
This verse uses the word to describe Joseph’s careful removal of Jesus’ body, emphasizing the physical reality of the crucifixion and burial.
-
Luke 23:53
He took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.
Here the term appears again in the burial account, reinforcing the completeness of the act as Jesus is laid to rest.
-
Acts 13:29
When they had fulfilled all things that were written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.
The Gospel writer uses this word to recount how Jesus’ body was taken down from the tree after fulfilling prophecy.
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Luke 1:52
He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly.
Mary’s song uses a related form to describe God putting down princes, showing His power to remove earthly authority.