κατασκάπτω (kataskaptō)
kataskaptō
to ruin
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataskaptō describes a violent act of digging down or undermining, leading to total demolition. Its literal sense involves excavating beneath a structure until it collapses, which Thayer’s Lexicon notes as "to dig under" or "demolish." This imagery conveys not just damage, but the complete destruction of something built upon a foundation.
In Scripture, this word appears only twice, both in Romans 11:3. Paul uses it to describe Elijah’s plea to God regarding the prophets of Baal, quoting the Septuagint where the Hebrew root implies tearing down or overthrowing. The choice of this specific verb highlights the intensity of the conflict; it is not merely a verbal dispute but an attempt to physically and spiritually dismantle the opposing worship.
The word’s force comes from its components: kata (down) and skaptō (to dig). While skaptō can mean simple digging, adding kata intensifies the action toward a destructive end. Translators often render this as "destroy" or "kill," but the underlying image remains one of structural collapse caused by undermining the base.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kataskaptō paints a vivid picture of total demolition. It describes digging beneath a foundation until a structure collapses under its own weight. In Romans 11:3, Paul uses this intense imagery to describe how Elijah felt the prophets of Baal were tearing down God’s altars. This was not just minor damage; it was an attempt to completely undermine the worship of Yahweh.
When you feel like your faith or community is being undermined by opposing forces, this word reminds you that such attacks are often about destroying foundations. Elijah felt isolated and overwhelmed by this violent dismantling. Yet, even in the midst of what seemed like total ruin, God preserved a remnant. The strength of the attack does not mean the foundation has failed.
Your spiritual life may face pressures that feel like they are digging beneath your stability. But remember that God is the ultimate builder. When enemies seek to break down what is holy, God remains faithful to restore and uphold those who trust in Him. His work endures beyond any human attempt at destruction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they have torn down,1×
- ruined1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατέσκαψαν,1×
- κατεσκαμμένα1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 11:3
“Lord, they have killed your prophets. They have broken down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life.”
Paul quotes Elijah using this word to describe the violent dismantling of God's altars, highlighting the intensity of the spiritual conflict.