from κατά and βραβεύω (in its original sense); to award the price against, i.e. (figuratively) to defraud (of salvation):--beguile of reward.
Transliteration:katabrabeúō
Pronunciation:kat-ab-rab-yoo'-o
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G2603}}` (καταβραβεύω, *katabrabeúō*) is a compound verb derived from the preposition κατά (*kata*), meaning "down," "against," or "according to," and the verb βραβεύω (*brabeúō*), which means "to act as an umpire," "to preside at games," or "to award the prize" (cf. `{{G1018}}`). The prefix κατά here carries a strong antagonistic or adverse sense, transforming the meaning from simply "to award a prize" to "to award the prize *against* someone," or more accurately, "to rule *against* a contestant," thereby disqualifying them or depriving them of their rightful reward.
In the context of ancient Greek athletic contests, a βραβεύς (umpire or judge) would oversee the competition and award the βραβεῖον (prize, cf. `{{G1017}}`). To be καταβραβεύω meant to be unjustly judged, disqualified, or defrauded of the prize one had earned or was pursuing. Thus, the word carries the semantic range of "to defraud of a reward," "to beguile of a prize," or "to disqualify." Figuratively, as used in the New Testament, it signifies being cheated out of a spiritual inheritance or the full benefit of salvation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G2603}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's Epistle to the Colossians:
* [[Colossians 2:18]]: "Let no one defraud you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind."
In this sole occurrence, Paul issues a stern warning to the Colossian believers. The context is his strong admonition against the various forms of false teaching that threatened the integrity of their faith in Christ. These false teachings included elements of asceticism, mystical experiences, angel worship, and a legalistic adherence to human traditions, all of which diminished the supreme centrality and sufficiency of Christ.
Paul's use of `{{G2603}}` here is highly significant. He portrays the believers as participants in a spiritual race, striving for a "reward" or "prize" (βραβεῖον, implied by the verb's root). The false teachers, through their deceptive doctrines and practices, were acting like corrupt umpires, attempting to "disqualify" or "defraud" the Colossians of this spiritual prize. This "reward" is not something earned by works, but rather the full spiritual inheritance, the rich blessings, and the deep fellowship with Christ that are the believer's by grace. The false teachers sought to divert the Colossians' focus from Christ, thereby undermining their standing and preventing them from fully apprehending the truth and life found in Him alone. The specific means of defrauding mentioned are "false humility," "worship of angels," and "intruding into things which he has not seen," all rooted in a "fleshly mind" rather than a mind renewed by Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{G2603}}` is illuminated by its etymological roots and related terms within the New Testament's athletic metaphors:
* βραβεύω (`{{G1018}}`): "to rule," "to decide," "to act as umpire." In [[Colossians 3:15]], it is used positively: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts."
* βραβεῖον (`{{G1017}}`): "the prize" in public games, a reward. Paul uses this term in [[1 Corinthians 9:24]] ("run in such a way that you may obtain it") and [[Philippians 3:14]] ("I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"). These verses emphasize the believer's pursuit of a spiritual prize.
* ἀγών (`{{G73}}`): "a contest," "struggle," often referring to an athletic contest or a spiritual struggle (e.g., [[1 Timothy 6:12]]).
* ἀγωνίζομαι (`{{G75}}`): "to contend," "to struggle," often in a spiritual sense (e.g., [[John 18:36]], [[Colossians 1:29]]).
The concept of `{{G2603}}` is intrinsically linked to the broader New Testament theme of spiritual perseverance and the dangers of apostasy or spiritual deception. It relates to warnings against:
* **False Teaching/Heresy:** Doctrines that undermine the person and work of Christ.
* **Legalism:** Attempts to gain favor with God through human rules or rituals rather than grace.
* **Asceticism/Mysticism:** Practices that claim a deeper spiritual experience apart from Christ's revelation.
* **Spiritual Deception:** The active work of those who seek to lead believers astray from the truth.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of `{{G2603}}` in [[Colossians 2:18]] carries profound theological weight. It underscores several crucial truths:
1. **The Reality of Spiritual Deception:** The word highlights that there are active forces and individuals who seek to "defraud" believers of their spiritual heritage. This is not merely passive error but an intentional attempt to disqualify them from the "prize" of their faith.
2. **The Value of the "Reward":** While salvation is by grace through faith and not by works, the New Testament often speaks of a "prize" or "reward" that believers are to pursue and safeguard. This "reward" is not a merit badge for good behavior, but the full experience of God's grace, the rich blessings of union with Christ, and the ultimate consummation of salvation. To be "defrauded" means to be deprived of the full enjoyment or realization of this spiritual inheritance.
3. **The Sufficiency of Christ:** The context of [[Colossians 2:18]] demonstrates that the "reward" is found solely in Christ. The false teachings Paul warns against all detract from Christ's supremacy as the Head of the body ([[Colossians 2:19]]). To allow oneself to be `{{G2603}}` is to exchange the fullness of Christ for empty human philosophies and traditions.
4. **The Call to Discernment and Steadfastness:** The warning implies that believers must be vigilant and discerning, holding fast to Christ and refusing to be swayed by external pressures or deceptive spiritual claims. It is a call to run the race with endurance, ensuring that one is not disqualified by adopting practices or beliefs that are contrary to the gospel.
5. **The Danger of Spiritual Loss:** While the security of the believer in Christ is a foundational truth, `{{G2603}}` points to the real possibility of a diminished spiritual experience, a loss of joy, peace, and assurance, or a failure to fully apprehend the riches of Christ due to succumbing to false teaching. It is a warning against losing focus on the ultimate goal and the means by which it is attained.
### Summary
`{{G2603}}` (καταβραβεύω) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to defraud of a reward," "to beguile of a prize," or "to disqualify." Rooted in the imagery of ancient athletic contests, where an umpire might unjustly rule against a contestant, its single New Testament occurrence in [[Colossians 2:18]] carries profound spiritual implications. Paul uses it to warn believers against false teachers who, through asceticism, angel worship, and vain mysticism, sought to divert the Colossians from the sufficiency of Christ, thereby attempting to "defraud" them of their spiritual "reward" or inheritance in Him. The word underscores the active nature of spiritual deception, the invaluable nature of the believer's standing in Christ, and the critical importance of spiritual discernment and steadfastness in holding fast to Christ as the sole source of truth and life, lest one be disqualified from the full enjoyment of God's grace.
TRV