καταβραβεύω (katabrabeuō)
katabrabeuō
to disqualify
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katabrabeuō carries the specific meaning of being disqualified or judged against in a contest. It derives from the root brabeus, which refers to an umpire or judge who awards the prize. By adding the prefix kata, the word intensifies this action to mean deciding against someone, effectively stripping them of their victory or reward.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Colossians 2:18. The context involves a warning against those who indulge in self-abasement and worship of angels. Paul uses this athletic imagery to suggest that such individuals risk losing their spiritual prize because they are allowing others to judge them unfavorably. It is not merely about losing a game, but about being officially declared the loser by the authority figure.
The word highlights the seriousness of spiritual discipline. Just as an athlete must follow the rules to win the crown, believers are warned against practices that lead to disqualification. The image is concrete: the umpire raises his hand against the competitor, ending their chance at victory. This single usage underscores the danger of straying from the faith’s core requirements.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Colossians 2:18, Paul uses a vivid image from ancient athletic games to warn believers about spiritual disqualification. The word katabrabeuō describes an umpire officially declaring a competitor the loser, stripping them of their prize. This happens not because the runner lacked speed, but because they broke the rules or relied on false standards. Paul warns against those who demand self-abasement or worship of angels, suggesting that such practices rob believers of their spiritual reward.
For your faith, this is a sobering reminder to stay focused on Christ alone. When we chase after extra religious requirements or human approval, we risk being judged against by the ultimate Umpire. The prize is not won by adding more burdens but by trusting in what Jesus has already accomplished. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, the author and finisher of faith.
This passage invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we relying on our own efforts or strange teachings? Or are we resting in the sufficiency of Christ? The call is simple: hold fast to the Head, from whom the whole body grows. Let this truth free you from anxiety about performance and draw you into the peace of His grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- should disqualify1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταβραβευέτω1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 2:18
Let no one rob you of your prize by self-abasement and worshiping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Paul uses this rare term to warn that false humility and angel worship can lead to being officially judged against, losing the spiritual prize.