### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term αἱρετικός (G141), transliterated as *hairetikós*, is derived from the verbal root αἱρέω (haireō), meaning "to choose" or "to take for oneself." It is closely related to the noun αἵρεσις (hairesis - `{{G139}}`), which can denote a "choice," a "chosen course of thought or action," or consequently, a "party" or "sect." In its earliest, neutral usage, αἵρεσις could refer to a philosophical school or a religious faction (e.g., the Stoics or the Pharisees).
However, within the context of the New Testament and early Christian thought, αἱρετικός acquired a distinct pejorative connotation. It describes not merely someone holding a different opinion, but specifically a "factious person," a "schismatic," or one who causes division. The emphasis is on the active, willful choice to promote discord and disunity within the community, often stemming from a self-chosen doctrine or practice that deviates from apostolic teaching and disrupts communal peace. Thus, the term signifies a person whose choices lead to destructive divisions, rather than merely an intellectual error.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term αἱρετικός occurs only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's epistle to Titus:
* **[[Titus 3:10]]**: "Reject a divisive person after a first and second admonition." The Greek phrase here is αἱρετικὸν ἄνθρωπον (a hairetikos anthrōpon), referring to a "divisive man" or "factious man."
The immediate context of [[Titus 3:10]] is crucial for understanding Paul's intent. Paul instructs Titus on how to maintain order and sound doctrine within the Cretan churches. He warns against "foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law" [[Titus 3:9]], describing them as "unprofitable and worthless." The "divisive person" (αἱρετικός) is one who persistently engages in and promotes such activities, thereby undermining the unity and peace of the church.
The instruction to admonish such a person "a first and second time" before rejecting them highlights the gravity of the offense and the church's patience. The ultimate rejection is not an act of personal vindictiveness, but a necessary measure to protect the integrity of the Christian community from persistent internal strife. The subsequent verse, [[Titus 3:11]], explains that such a person "is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned," implying that their persistent divisiveness stems from a conscious, unrepentant choice to deviate and disrupt, thereby bringing judgment upon themselves.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding αἱρετικός is enriched by examining its semantic field:
* **αἵρεσις (hairesis - `{{G139}}`):** As the root noun, αἵρεσις appears more frequently. While it can denote a "sect" in a neutral sense (e.g., the "sect of the Sadducees" [[Acts 5:17]], or "the sect of the Nazarenes" [[Acts 24:5]]), it often carries a negative connotation. In [[Galatians 5:20]], αἱρέσεις (heresies/factions) are listed among the "works of the flesh," signifying divisive, destructive behaviors. [[2 Peter 2:1]] warns against "destructive heresies" (αἱρέσεις ἀπωλείας), emphasizing their ruinous theological impact.
* **διχοστασία (dichostasia - `{{G1370}}`):** Meaning "dissension" or "division," this term describes the outcome of a αἱρετικός's actions. It is also listed among the "works of the flesh" in [[Romans 16:17]] and [[Galatians 5:20]], indicating severe disruption to communal harmony.
* **σχίσμα (schisma - `{{G4978}}`):** Literally "a tear" or "a split," this word denotes a "schism" or "division" within a group. Paul uses it to describe divisions within the Corinthian church [[1 Corinthians 1:10]], [[1 Corinthians 12:25]]. While αἱρετικός describes the person causing the division, σχίσμα describes the resulting fracture in the body.
* **πλάνη (planē - `{{G4106}}`):** "Error" or "deception." While a αἱρετικός often propagates error, the term αἱρετικός specifically emphasizes the willful, divisive choice and action, rather than merely holding a mistaken belief.
### Theological Significance
The New Testament's singular yet potent use of αἱρετικός carries profound theological weight:
* **The Primacy of Unity and Truth:** The instruction to confront and reject the αἱρετικός underscores the paramount importance of preserving unity and safeguarding apostolic truth within the Christian community. The church is called to be "one body" [[Ephesians 4:4]], and the presence of divisive individuals directly threatens this foundational identity.
* **Nature of Divisiveness:** The term reveals that the early Christian understanding of "heresy" or "divisiveness" was not primarily about minor theological disagreements, but about persistent, self-willed actions that undermine the peace, love, and sound doctrine of the community. It is a conscious choice to create factions, rather than a humble pursuit of understanding.
* **Pastoral Imperative:** Paul's directive to Titus establishes a clear pastoral responsibility to address and, if necessary, separate from those who stubbornly cause division. This is not an act of uncharitableness, but a necessary measure of spiritual discipline aimed at protecting the flock from internal corruption and fragmentation, thereby ensuring the health, purity, and witness of the church.
* **Self-Condemnation:** The phrase "he is self-condemned" (αὐτοκατάκριτος) in [[Titus 3:11]] is a critical theological insight. It suggests that the αἱρετικός is not merely led astray by external forces, but has, through their own persistent and unrepentant choices, rendered themselves outside the bounds of communal fellowship and divine approval. Their actions manifest a heart that has become hardened against correction and the unifying work of the Holy Spirit.
### Summary
The Greek term αἱρετικός (`{{G141}}`), appearing uniquely in [[Titus 3:10]], designates a "divisive person" or "factious man." Derived from a root meaning "to choose," it specifically identifies an individual whose deliberate choices and actions lead to discord and schism within the Christian community. This is distinct from simple error; the αἱρετικός is characterized by a persistent and willful promotion of divisive teachings or practices, often despite repeated admonition. The New Testament's use of this term highlights the early church's profound concern for maintaining unity and preserving the purity of apostolic doctrine. The instruction to "reject" such an individual underscores the pastoral imperative to protect the body of Christ from internal fragmentation, recognizing that the αἱρετικός ultimately stands self-condemned by their own divisive choices. The concept is intimately related to αἵρεσις (`{{G139}}`), which can denote a sect or, more negatively, a faction or heresy, and to terms like διχοστασία (`{{G1370}}`) and σχίσμα (`{{G4978}}`), which describe the actual divisions themselves.
TRV