from κατά and ὅλος; on the whole, i.e. entirely:--at all.
Transliteration:kathólou
Pronunciation:kath-ol'-oo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb `{{G2527}}` (kathólou) is a compound formed from the preposition `{{G2596}}` (katá), meaning "down," "according to," or "throughout," and the adjective `{{G3650}}` (hólos), meaning "whole" or "entire." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "according to the whole" or "throughout the whole," implying totality or completeness. Its semantic range, particularly in the New Testament, is narrow but emphatic. It functions as an intensifier, often in negative constructions, where it translates to "not at all," "by no means," or "in no way whatever," signifying an absolute denial or prohibition. When used affirmatively, it would mean "altogether" or "entirely," though this usage is not found in the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G2527}}` occurs only once in the New Testament, found in [[Acts 4:18]]. The context is critical for understanding its precise meaning and impact. Following the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate and Peter's subsequent sermon, the apostles Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin. The Jewish leaders, "having called them," "commanded them not to speak *at all* nor teach in the name of Jesus" (καὶ φωνάξαντες αὐτοὺς παρήγγειλαν τὸ καθόλου μὴ φωνεῖν μηδὲ διδάσκειν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Ἰησοῦ).
Here, `{{G2527}}` functions to underscore the absolute and unequivocal nature of the Sanhedrin's prohibition. It is not merely a suggestion or a partial restriction, but an attempt at a total cessation of their preaching and teaching activities concerning Jesus. The phrase "τὸ καθόλου μὴ φωνεῖν" (to kathólou mē phōnein) emphasizes that the silence they demand is to be complete and without exception. This absolute command sets the stage for the apostles' resolute response in [[Acts 4:19-20]], where they declare their inability to obey human authority over divine commission.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, `{{G2527}}` is derived from `{{G2596}}` (katá) and `{{G3650}}` (hólos). While `{{G2596}}` is a common preposition with diverse meanings, `{{G3650}}` consistently denotes "whole" or "complete," as seen in phrases like "the whole world" (e.g., [[Matthew 24:14]]) or "the whole body" (e.g., [[Matthew 6:22]]). Other Greek words that convey a sense of totality or universality include `{{G3956}}` (pás), meaning "all" or "every," which is far more common (e.g., "all nations" [[Matthew 28:19]]). However, `{{G2527}}` uniquely combines the idea of "throughout" with "the whole," giving it a specific emphatic force, particularly in negation. Conceptually, it aligns with ideas of absolute prohibition or divine imperative, contrasting the limits of human authority with the boundless nature of God's will.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, `{{G2527}}` in [[Acts 4:18]] carries significant theological weight. It highlights the profound clash between the earthly powers seeking to suppress the nascent Christian movement and the divine mandate given to the apostles. The Sanhedrin's command, made "not at all" to speak or teach in Jesus' name, represents a direct and absolute challenge to the core mission of the early church. This absolute prohibition serves to magnify the apostles' subsequent declaration: "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" ([[Acts 4:19-20]]).
The use of `{{G2527}}` underscores the irreconcilable nature of the two positions. The Sanhedrin demanded total silence, but the apostles recognized that their obedience to God necessitated total proclamation. This word, therefore, implicitly emphasizes the supremacy of divine authority over human decrees, particularly when those decrees contradict God's revealed will. It sets a precedent for Christian faithfulness in the face of persecution, demonstrating that the call to bear witness to Christ cannot be "at all" silenced by earthly powers.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G2527}}` (kathólou), derived from `{{G2596}}` (katá) and `{{G3650}}` (hólos), conveys the meaning "altogether" or, more commonly in its New Testament usage, "not at all." Its sole appearance in [[Acts 4:18]] is pivotal, describing the Sanhedrin's absolute command to Peter and John to cease preaching in the name of Jesus. This emphatic prohibition highlights the stark conflict between human authority attempting to impose total silence and the divine imperative driving the apostles' mission. The word underscores the unyielding nature of the opposition faced by the early church and, by extension, the unwavering commitment required of those who follow Christ, recognizing that the command to proclaim the Gospel cannot be "at all" curtailed by earthly powers.
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