from κατά and the base of κλύδων; to dash (wash) down, i.e. (by implication) to deluge:--overflow.
Transliteration:kataklýzō
Pronunciation:kat-ak-lood'-zo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2626}}` κατακλύζω (kataklýzō) is derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down" or "against," and the base of `{{G2830}}` κλύδων (kludōn), which signifies a "wave" or "surging water." Literally, the compound verb means "to dash down" or "to wash down." By strong implication, its semantic range extends to "to deluge," "to inundate," or "to flood completely." This is not a gentle overflow but describes an overwhelming, destructive force of water that covers and sweeps away everything in its path. The emphasis is on the totality and power of the inundation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{G2626}}` κατακλύζω appears three times in the New Testament, and in every instance, it refers exclusively to the great deluge in the time of Noah.
1. In [[Matthew 24:38-39]], Jesus states, "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." Here, κατακλύζω describes the sudden, unexpected, and utterly destructive arrival of the flood that "took them all away."
2. Similarly, in [[Luke 17:27]], Jesus reiterates this point: "They were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all." The context again highlights the unexpected nature of the divine judgment and its comprehensive destructive power.
3. In [[2 Peter 3:6]], the apostle Peter writes, "by which the world that then existed perished, being deluged with water." Here, κατακλύζω (in its perfect passive participle form) explicitly states that the ancient world was "deluged" or "flooded" by water, leading to its perishing. This verse emphasizes the divine agency behind the flood and its consequence of universal destruction for the ungodly.
Across all occurrences, `{{G2626}}` κατακλύζω consistently points to the Noahic Flood as a historical event of immense scale, serving as a powerful example of divine judgment and a prophetic warning for future eschatological events.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct cognate is the noun form, `{{G2627}}` κατακλυσμός (kataklysmos), which means "flood" or "deluge" and is also used exclusively for the Noahic Flood in the New Testament (e.g., [[Matthew 24:38]], [[Luke 17:27]], [[2 Peter 2:5]]). The base word `{{G2830}}` κλύδων (kludōn) (wave, surge) provides the root imagery of tumultuous water.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent most closely associated with `{{G2626}}` κατακλύζω in the context of the Noahic Flood is `{{H3999}}` מַבּוּל (mabbul), which specifically denotes the great flood (e.g., [[Genesis 6:17]], [[Genesis 7:6]]). Other related Hebrew terms for overflowing water or floods include `{{H7857}}` שֶׁטֶף (sheteph) (flood, outpouring) and `{{H5104}}` נָהַר (nahar) (to flow, stream).
Conceptually, `{{G2626}}` κατακλύζω is deeply intertwined with themes of divine judgment, destruction, purification, and the unexpected nature of God's intervention in human history. It evokes the idea of an overwhelming force that brings about a complete end to a former state.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2626}}` κατακλύζω is profound, primarily serving as a potent symbol of divine judgment.
1. **Divine Judgment and Righteousness:** The kataklýzō represents God's righteous wrath against human sin and rebellion. It demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over creation and His willingness to intervene decisively to purify the earth. The flood was not a random natural disaster but a divinely orchestrated act of justice.
2. **Eschatological Warning:** Jesus Himself uses the kataklýzō as a type or prefigurement of His own unexpected return and the final judgment ([[Matthew 24:38-39]], [[Luke 17:27]]). Just as people in Noah's day were oblivious to the impending kataklýzō, so too will many be unprepared for the coming of the Son of Man. This imbues the word with a strong eschatological warning, urging vigilance and spiritual readiness.
3. **Preservation Amidst Destruction:** While kataklýzō signifies destruction for the ungodly, it simultaneously highlights God's grace and faithfulness in preserving the righteous. Noah and his family were saved through the very waters that destroyed the world, emphasizing God's selective salvation amidst universal judgment. This foreshadows salvation through Christ.
4. **New Beginning and Covenant:** The kataklýzō not only brought an end but also inaugurated a new beginning. After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah, signifying a new creation and a renewed relationship with humanity. Thus, the destructive power of kataklýzō ultimately served God's redemptive purposes.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2626}}` κατακλύζω (kataklýzō) vividly describes an overwhelming deluge or flood, emphasizing a powerful, all-encompassing inundation. In the New Testament, its usage is singularly focused on the historical Noahic Flood, consistently portraying it as a sudden, divinely initiated act of comprehensive destruction and judgment upon a sinful world. This word serves as a stark reminder of God's righteous wrath and His absolute sovereignty over creation and human destiny. Furthermore, Jesus's use of the kataklýzō event as a parallel to His second coming imbues the term with significant eschatological weight, serving as a solemn warning for all generations to be prepared for the ultimate divine judgment. While signifying destruction, it implicitly points to God's power to preserve the righteous and usher in a new era.
TRV