καταλύω (kataluō)
kataluō
to destroy/lodge
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataluō carries two distinct meanings in the New Testament: to destroy or demolish, and to lodge or take rest. The connection between these ideas lies in the physical act of unbinding. Just as a traveler unlooses their packs and garments to settle for the night, the word describes breaking down what has been joined together.
In its destructive sense, it is used when Jesus predicts the Temple’s ruin (Matthew 24:2) or when opponents accuse him of claiming authority to tear down God’s house (Mark 14:58). Paul also uses it metaphorically in Galatians 2:18, contrasting building up with tearing down. In its literal sense, it appears in Luke 9:12 and 19:7, describing travelers seeking a place to stay for the evening.
Translators often render this word as "destroy" or "destroyed," capturing its forceful nature. However, the root meaning of unloosing provides a vivid image. Whether referring to the collapse of stone structures or the simple act of resting after a journey, kataluō always involves a release from tension or structure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kataluō carries a dual image of unbinding that speaks to both our fragility and our hope. In its destructive sense, it describes the tearing down of structures, whether physical temples or rigid systems of law. Jesus clarifies in Matthew 5:17 that He did not come to destroy this way, but to fulfill what was written. This reminds us that God’s work is not about arbitrary demolition, but about bringing things to their intended completion.
Yet the same word also describes the simple relief of lodging after a long journey. In Luke 9:12, the disciples seek a place to rest as the day wears away. This physical unbinding mirrors our spiritual need to lay down burdens. When we feel overwhelmed by the demands of life or the weight of past failures, this word invites us to find rest in Christ’s presence.
Paul uses this imagery in 2 Corinthians 5:1, comparing our earthly bodies to a tent that will eventually be dissolved. This is not a cause for fear, but for hope. We look forward to an eternal house built by God, where the tensions of this life are finally released. Trusting in this future rest allows us to face present challenges with peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will destroy2×
- will be thrown down.2×
- to abolish2×
- destroying2×
- to stay.1×
- to overthrow1×
- to destroy1×
- they may lodge1×
- shall be destroyed,1×
- may be thrown down.1×
- it will be overthrown;1×
- do destroy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταλῦσαι4×
- καταλύων2×
- καταλυθήσεται.¶2×
- κατέλυσα,1×
- κατάλυε1×
- καταλῦσαι.¶1×
- καταλύσωσιν1×
- καταλύσω1×
- καταλύσει1×
- καταλυθῇ.¶1×
- καταλυθῇ,1×
- καταλυθήσεται·1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:17
“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Jesus uses this word to clarify that His mission was not to abolish the Law but to fulfill its purpose, distinguishing destructive demolition from redemptive completion.
-
Luke 9:12
The day began to wear away; and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms and lodge and get food, for we are here in a deserted place.”
The disciples use this term to request lodging for the crowd, highlighting the word’s literal sense of seeking rest and shelter after a day’s journey.
-
II Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
Paul employs this word metaphorically to describe the dissolution of our earthly bodies, contrasting temporary physical existence with an eternal heavenly dwelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kataluō mean in the New Testament?
Did Jesus say He would destroy the Law?
How is this word used in relation to our bodies?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 4 verses
“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Matthew 24:2But he answered them, “You see all of these things, don’t you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here…
Matthew 26:61and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’”
Matthew 27:40and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down…