### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kathaírō**, represented by `{{G2508}}`, is a term used for cleansing and purification. Its definition is to cleanse, specifically to prune, and figuratively, to expiate or purge. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, illustrating two distinct aspects of purification: one related to spiritual growth and the other to freedom from sin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2508}}` is used in two key contexts. In an agricultural metaphor, it describes God's work in the life of a believer, where every fruit-bearing branch is **purged** so that it may produce more fruit [[John 15:2]]. In a theological context, it refers to the expiation of sin. The author of Hebrews suggests that if the old sacrifices were effective, the worshippers would have been **purged** once, leaving them with no more conscience of sins [[Hebrews 10:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context of [[Hebrews 10:2]] help clarify the meaning of `{{G2508}}`:
* `{{G3973}}` **paúō** (to stop... cease, leave, refrain): This word is used to state that if the worshippers were truly purged, the sacrifices would have **ceased** to be offered, highlighting the finality implied by the act of purging [[Hebrews 10:2]].
* `{{G4374}}` **prosphérō** (to bear towards... offer (unto, up), present unto): This describes the action that would no longer be necessary if purging was complete. The continuous need to **offer** sacrifices is contrasted with the idea of a single, effective purging [[Hebrews 10:2]].
* `{{G3000}}` **latreúō** (to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage:--serve, do the service, worship(-per)): This identifies the subjects of the purging action as the **worshippers** themselves, who would be cleansed from the consciousness of sin [[Hebrews 10:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2508}}` is demonstrated in its two distinct applications:
* **Sanctification and Growth:** In [[John 15:2]], the word illustrates the concept of sanctification. God **purges**, or prunes, believers not as a punishment, but as a means of refinement to produce greater spiritual fruit. It signifies a process of purification for increased effectiveness.
* **Expiation from Sin:** The usage in [[Hebrews 10:2]] points to the theological concept of expiation. A true purging would result in a conscience completely cleared of sin, suggesting a definitive and total cleansing that the repeated offerings could not achieve.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2508}}` is more than a simple term for cleaning. It carries significant theological meaning through its dual application. In one sense, it is the pruning a branch undergoes to bear more fruit, a metaphor for a believer's spiritual growth [[John 15:2]]. In another, it is the purging from sin that would free a worshipper's conscience entirely [[Hebrews 10:2]]. The word thus illustrates two profound aspects of God's work: the ongoing process of sanctification and the definitive act of atonement.
TRV