from κατά and αἱρέομαι (including its alternate); to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively):--cast (pull, put, take) down, destroy.
Transliteration:kathairéō
Pronunciation:kath-ahee-reh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma καθαιρέω (kathairéō, `{{G2507}}`) is a compound verb derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb αἱρέομαι (haireomai), meaning "to take" or "to choose." This etymology inherently suggests an action of taking something down from a higher position or against something. The base definition provided, "to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively)," accurately captures its dual semantic range.
Literally, καθαιρέω denotes the physical act of removing something from a height, such as taking an object down or dismantling a structure. This can imply a gentle lowering or a forceful demolition, depending on the context. Figuratively, the word extends to the realm of abstract concepts, signifying the overthrowing of powers, the dismantling of arguments, the destruction of ideologies, or the debasement of pride. In both literal and figurative uses, the verb conveys a decisive action of reduction, removal, or nullification, often implying a change in status or existence from a higher or established state to a lower or non-existent one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb καθαιρέω appears in various contexts within the New Testament, illustrating its literal and figurative applications:
* **Literal Demolition/Lowering:**
* In the Synoptic Gospels and John, καθαιρέω is consistently used to describe the act of taking Jesus' body down from the cross after His crucifixion: [[Mark 15:36]], [[Mark 15:46]], [[Luke 23:53]], [[John 19:38]]. This usage highlights a physical, deliberate act of lowering, often performed by individuals like Joseph of Arimathea, carrying profound somberness and reverence.
* In the parable of the rich fool, the man declares his intention to "pull down" (καθαιρέω) his barns to build larger ones: [[Luke 12:18]]. Here, the word signifies literal demolition for the purpose of expansion, demonstrating a worldly focus on material gain.
* [[Acts 13:28]] also uses καθαιρέω in the context of taking Jesus down from the tree (cross) after His death, reinforcing the literal sense of physical removal.
* **Figurative Overthrow/Dismantling:**
* Perhaps its most potent figurative use is found in [[2 Corinthians 10:4-5]]: "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy [καθαιρέω] strongholds. We destroy [καθαιρέω] arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." Here, καθαιρέω refers to the spiritual demolition of intellectual and spiritual barriers—false philosophies, proud human reasoning, and anything that opposes the truth of God. It is a powerful metaphor for the effectiveness of the Gospel in confronting and dismantling spiritual opposition.
* In the Magnificat, Mary proclaims, "He has brought down [καθαιρέω] the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate" [[Luke 1:52]]. This passage vividly illustrates God's sovereign power to reverse human fortunes, humbling the proud and powerful while lifting up the lowly. It speaks to a divine act of debasement and reordering of societal and spiritual hierarchies.
These occurrences demonstrate καθαιρέω's versatility, from the solemn act of Christ's descent from the cross to the dynamic spiritual warfare against intellectual pride and the divine overturning of human power structures.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of καθαιρέω includes words related to destruction, removal, and humbling.
* **Synonyms/Related Verbs:**
* `{{G2647}}` καταλύω (katalyō): To destroy, pull down, dissolve. While similar in meaning, καταλύω often implies a complete dissolution or cessation of existence (e.g., the temple being destroyed). καθαιρέω emphasizes the act of taking *down* from a position or state.
* `{{G138}}` αἱρέω (haireō): The root word, meaning "to take" or "to choose." The prefix κατά adds the directionality of "down" or "against."
* **Antonyms/Opposite Concepts:**
* Building, establishing, exalting, upholding, strengthening.
* **Thematic Connections:**
* **Demolition and Construction:** The literal use in [[Luke 12:18]] contrasts with the act of building, highlighting the cyclical nature of destruction and creation, often driven by human desires or divine purposes.
* **Humiliation and Exaltation:** The figurative uses in [[Luke 1:52]] and the taking down of Jesus from the cross resonate with the biblical theme of God humbling the proud and exalting the humble, a principle central to the kingdom of God.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The use in [[2 Corinthians 10:4-5]] firmly places καθαιρέω within the lexicon of spiritual conflict, where truth and divine power dismantle human arrogance and spiritual strongholds.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καθαιρέω is profound, touching upon divine sovereignty, the nature of spiritual warfare, and the redemptive work of Christ.
Firstly, in its application to God's actions (e.g., [[Luke 1:52]]), καθαιρέω underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His just character. He is the one who can "bring down" the mighty, demonstrating His power to reverse human pride and establish His righteous order. This speaks to a God who is not bound by human power structures but actively intervenes to humble the arrogant and uplift the lowly.
Secondly, the use of καθαιρέω in [[2 Corinthians 10:4-5]] is foundational for understanding the nature of Christian spiritual warfare. The "strongholds" and "lofty opinions" that are "cast down" are not physical fortresses but intellectual and spiritual fortifications erected against God's truth. The weapons for this demolition are not carnal but "divinely powerful," implying the efficacy of the Gospel, prayer, and the Spirit's work in dismantling human pride, false philosophies, and demonic influences. This highlights the transformative power of God's word to penetrate and dismantle resistance to the knowledge of Christ.
Finally, the repeated use of καθαιρέω for taking Jesus' body down from the cross carries immense theological weight. This seemingly mundane act of lowering a lifeless body is a crucial step in the narrative of Christ's humiliation and death. It marks the completion of His atoning sacrifice on the cross and prepares for His burial, which is itself a prelude to His glorious resurrection. The act of "taking down" is an essential part of the Paschal mystery, emphasizing the depth of Christ's condescension for humanity's salvation.
### Summary
The Greek word καθαιρέω (kathairéō, `{{G2507}}`) is a versatile verb meaning "to take down," "to pull down," or "to demolish," applicable in both literal and figurative senses. Literally, it describes the physical act of lowering an object, as seen in the solemn removal of Jesus' body from the cross ([[Mark 15:46]], [[John 19:38]]), or the demolition of structures, such as barns ([[Luke 12:18]]). Figuratively, καθαιρέω conveys the powerful act of overthrowing or dismantling abstract concepts, notably God's divine reversal of human power and pride ([[Luke 1:52]]) and the spiritual warfare waged by believers to "destroy strongholds" and "cast down arguments" that oppose the knowledge of God ([[2 Corinthians 10:4-5]]). Theologically, καθαιρέω illuminates God's sovereign power to humble the proud, the spiritual efficacy of the Gospel in confronting intellectual and spiritual resistance, and the profound humility and completion of Christ's atoning work on the cross. It signifies a decisive act of reduction or removal, often leading to a new state or revelation.
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