from κατά and αἱρέομαι (including its alternate); to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively):--cast (pull, put, take) down, destroy.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **καθαιρέω (kathairéō)**, represented by `{{G2507}}`, means to lower, demolish, or destroy, often with violence. It appears 11 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition, "from κατά and αἱρέομαι... to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively)," indicates a broad range of actions from physical removal to the complete destruction of abstract concepts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2507}}` is applied in both literal and figurative contexts. It is used multiple times to describe the physical act of taking Jesus' body **down** from the tree after the crucifixion ([[Acts 13:29]], [[Luke 23:53]], [[Mark 15:46]]). The word also depicts destructive force, such as God having **destroyed** seven nations in the land of Chanaan [[Acts 13:19]] and the rich man's plan to **pull down** his barns to build greater ones [[Luke 12:18]]. Figuratively, it describes God having **put down** the mighty from their seats [[Luke 1:52]] and is used in the context of spiritual warfare for **casting down** imaginations [[2 Corinthians 10:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the context and meaning of `{{G2507}}`:
* `{{G1413}}` **dynástēs** (a ruler or officer): This word for the "mighty" or "potentate" is used to identify those whom God has **put down** `{{G2507}}` from their seats of power, showing a direct reversal of authority [[Luke 1:52]].
* `{{G5313}}` **hýpsōma** (an elevated place or thing): This term for a "high thing" or barrier is what is targeted to be **cast down** `{{G2507}}` in the spiritual sense, specifically anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God [[2 Corinthians 10:5]].
* `{{G3618}}` **oikodoméō** (to be a house-builder, i.e. construct): This word provides a direct contrast to `{{G2507}}`. In the parable of the rich fool, he plans to first **pull down** `{{G2507}}` his old barns before he can **build** `{{G3618}}` new ones [[Luke 12:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2507}}` is significant, highlighting themes of divine authority, spiritual conflict, and Christ's sacrifice.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The word is used to demonstrate God's ultimate power over human rulers and structures. He is the one who **put down** the mighty from their seats, establishing his authority over all earthly potentates [[Luke 1:52]].
* **Spiritual Warfare:** In one of its most prominent uses, `{{G2507}}` is a key verb for the believer's responsibility to demolish spiritual strongholds. This involves **casting down** imaginations and every high thing that opposes God's knowledge [[2 Corinthians 10:5]].
* **Christ's Humiliation:** The repeated use of `{{G2507}}` to describe taking Christ's body **down** from the cross is a somber depiction of the completion of his earthly suffering and his submission to death before the resurrection ([[Acts 13:29]], [[Luke 23:53]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2507}}` is a dynamic word that conveys forceful action. Whether it is used for the literal act of taking something down, the demolition of a physical structure, the toppling of nations, or the spiritual act of destroying false arguments, it consistently points to an action of bringing something high to a lower state. From the cross to the battlefield of the mind, **καθαιρέω** illustrates the power to dismantle and destroy.
TRV