καταργέω (katargeō)
katargeō
to abate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 26 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katargeō describes a process of rendering something inactive, useless, or void. Its core image comes from making land "idle" or unfruitful, as when Jesus warns that a tree not bearing fruit will be cut down and left to wither (Luke 13:7). In this sense, it strips an object or person of their former efficiency and purpose.
Paul uses the word frequently to explain how God’s new reality replaces old structures. He speaks of wisdom being abolished (1 Corinthians 1:28), death as the last enemy being destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26), and the law losing its power for those who belong to Christ (Romans 7:6). It is not merely a temporary pause but a definitive end to a previous state of operation.
The word combines a prefix indicating intensity with a root meaning "idle" or "at rest." This etymology highlights that the action is thorough. Whether it refers to abolishing a covenant (Galatians 3:17) or freeing someone from its binding force, katargeō marks the transition from an old order to a new one where former powers no longer hold sway.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katargeō describes a decisive end to an old way of operating. It does not mean a gentle pause or a temporary break. Instead, it marks a complete removal of power or function. When Paul writes that the law is discharged for believers, he means its binding authority has ceased. We are no longer held by its demands because Christ has fulfilled them. This freedom allows us to serve in the new life of the Spirit.
This truth brings deep relief. If you feel weighed down by guilt or the pressure to perform, remember that the old structures of condemnation have been abolished. God’s grace does not just cover our failures; it removes the system that kept us trapped in them. We are invited to rest in what Christ has already done, rather than striving to maintain a relationship through our own effort.
Similarly, this word reminds us that temporary struggles will pass. Just as childish ways are put away when we mature, our present sufferings and partial understandings will vanish when we see God face to face. Love remains forever, while all other things fade. This hope anchors our hearts in the eternal reality of God’s presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 26 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will nullify?1×
- will destroy.1×
- will be done away.1×
- will annul1×
- we have been released1×
- to nullify1×
- to be abolished [is]1×
- they will be abated;1×
- should it use up?1×
- she has been cleared1×
- may be annulled1×
- it will be abated.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατήργηται3×
- καταργήσῃ2×
- καταργηθήσεται.2×
- κατήργηκα1×
- κατηργήθητε1×
- κατηργήθημεν1×
- καταργῆσαι1×
- καταργήσῃ,1×
- καταργήσει;1×
- καταργήσει.1×
- καταργήσει1×
- καταργήσας,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 7:6
But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.
This verse shows that believers are discharged from the law's binding power, allowing service through the Spirit rather than the written code.
-
Ephesians 2:15
having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace,
Paul explains that Christ abolished hostility by nullifying the law's divisive ordinances, creating unity between Jews and Gentiles.
-
Romans 3:3
For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?
This rhetorical question assures us that human unfaithfulness cannot nullify God’s faithful character or His promises.