from καθαρός; to cleanse, i.e. (specially) to prune; figuratively, to expiate:--purge.
Transliteration:kathaírō
Pronunciation:kath-ah'-ee-ro
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2508}}` (καθαίρω, *kathaírō*) derives from the adjective `{{G2513}}` (καθαρός, *katharós*), meaning "clean" or "pure." At its core, `{{G2508}}` signifies the act of making something clean or pure. Its semantic range extends beyond mere superficial cleaning to encompass a more profound process of purification. Specifically, the word carries a specialized meaning in viticulture: "to prune" or "to cleanse" a vine by removing unproductive or dead branches. This agricultural sense implies a purposeful removal of impediments to foster greater growth and fruitfulness. Figuratively, `{{G2508}}` can also denote "to purge" or "to expiate," suggesting a cleansing from moral impurity, sin, or guilt, though its New Testament usage leans more heavily on the former, agricultural sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, `{{G2508}}` appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly significant, found in Jesus' "True Vine" discourse in the Gospel of John.
* **[[John 15:2]]**: "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes (καθαίρω), that it may bear more fruit."
In this pivotal verse, Jesus employs the vivid metaphor of a vinedresser tending his vineyard. The Father is depicted as the vinedresser, Jesus as the true vine, and believers as the branches. The word `{{G2508}}` is translated as "prunes," directly referencing the meticulous care a vinedresser gives to productive branches. This "pruning" is not an act of punishment or destruction, but rather a deliberate, skilled removal of excess growth, diseased parts, or unproductive shoots. The explicit purpose given is "that it may bear more fruit." This context establishes `{{G2508}}` as an active, beneficial, and necessary process of divine cultivation, aimed at enhancing the spiritual fruitfulness of believers. It implies a painful yet ultimately redemptive process of refinement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G2508}}` is closely tied to other Greek words from the same root, `{{G2513}}` (καθαρός, *katharós*, "clean, pure").
* **`{{G2513}}` (καθαρός, *katharós*)**: The adjective from which `{{G2508}}` is derived. It describes the state of being clean, pure, or unadulterated, whether ceremonially, morally, or physically. The act of `{{G2508}}` aims to achieve or maintain this state of `{{G2513}}`.
* **`{{G2511}}` (καθαρίζω, *katharizō*)**: Another common verb from the same root, meaning "to cleanse," "to purify," or "to make clean." While `{{G2511}}` is a more general term for cleansing (e.g., of lepers, ceremonial defilement, or moral impurity), `{{G2508}}` in its New Testament usage takes on the more specific nuance of "pruning" for the sake of greater fruitfulness, implying a more targeted and sometimes surgical removal.
* **Concepts**: The word `{{G2508}}` inherently connects to concepts such as divine discipline, sanctification, spiritual growth, fruitfulness, and purity. It speaks to God's active involvement in the lives of believers to refine and perfect them.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{G2508}}` in [[John 15:2]] carries profound theological weight, primarily illuminating the nature of divine sanctification and discipline.
1. **Divine Husbandry and Sanctification**: The Father, as the vinedresser, actively engages in the spiritual cultivation of His children. The "pruning" (καθαίρω) is an essential aspect of this divine husbandry. It represents God's ongoing work of sanctification, a process by which He purifies believers, removes hindrances to spiritual growth, and refines their character. This is not a punitive act but an expression of His loving commitment to their spiritual well-being and productivity.
2. **Purpose of Trials and Challenges**: The act of pruning can be painful or difficult, as it involves the removal of parts that might seem integral. Theologically, this suggests that God may allow or orchestrate trials, challenges, or the removal of certain comforts or attachments in a believer's life. These experiences, though arduous, serve the ultimate purpose of stripping away impurities or unproductive elements, thereby making the believer more fruitful for the Kingdom.
3. **Fruitfulness as a Goal**: The explicit goal of this divine `{{G2508}}` is "that it may bear more fruit." This emphasizes that God's work in believers' lives is teleological—it has a purpose. The desired outcome is an increase in spiritual fruit (e.g., the fruit of the Spirit, righteous deeds, evangelism), demonstrating a vibrant and effective Christian life.
4. **Christ's Role**: While the Father is the vinedresser, the pruning happens "in Me" (Jesus). This suggests that the cleansing and refining process is mediated through union with Christ and adherence to His teachings. His words are themselves cleansing agents (cf. [[John 15:3]]).
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2508}}` (καθαίρω, *kathaírō*), meaning "to cleanse" or "to prune," holds a unique and profound theological significance despite its single New Testament occurrence in [[John 15:2]]. Rooted in the concept of purity, its specific usage as "pruning" in the "True Vine" discourse highlights God the Father's active and loving involvement in the lives of believers. This divine `{{G2508}}` is a process of purposeful removal and refinement, not for punishment, but for the explicit purpose of increasing spiritual fruitfulness. It underscores the truth that God's sanctifying work, though sometimes difficult, is essential for growth, purity, and greater effectiveness in bearing fruit for His glory.
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