### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G2627 (κατακλυσμός, *kataklysmós*) derives from the verb G2626 (κατακλύζω, *kataklyzō*), meaning "to overwhelm, inundate, deluge." The prefix κατα- (kata-) intensifies the action, signifying "down," "against," or "completely," while κλύζω (klyzō) means "to wash" or "to dash over." Thus, κατακλυσμός denotes not merely a large amount of water, but a catastrophic, overwhelming, and destructive inundation, a complete deluge or flood. It conveys the sense of being entirely submerged or swept away by a powerful rush of water, implying an event of immense scale and divine agency, rather than a natural, localized overflow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2627 appears four times in the New Testament, consistently referring to the great flood in the days of Noah, as recorded in Genesis. Its usage highlights the event as a historical reality and a profound theological archetype:
* **[[Matthew 24:38-39]]**: In Jesus' Olivet Discourse, He references the "days before the flood" (τοῦ κατακλυσμοῦ) to illustrate the unexpected nature of His second coming. People were eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage "until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood (ὁ κατακλυσμὸς) came and swept them all away." Here, the flood serves as a stark warning of sudden, comprehensive divine judgment upon an unheeding world.
* **[[Luke 17:27]]**: Luke's parallel account similarly uses κατακλυσμός to depict the suddenness and finality of the judgment, emphasizing that "the flood (ὁ κατακλυσμὸς) came and destroyed them all." Both Matthew and Luke underscore the unpreparedness of humanity and the decisive action of God.
* **[[2 Peter 2:5]]**: Peter explicitly states that God "did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood (κατακλυσμὸν) upon the world of the ungodly." This verse unequivocally identifies the κατακλυσμός as a divinely orchestrated act of judgment against unrighteousness, while simultaneously highlighting God's preservation of the righteous.
Significantly, κατακλυσμός is the consistent term used in the Septuagint (LXX) to translate the Hebrew מַבּוּל (mabbūl - `{{H3999}}`), the specific word for the Noahic flood in Genesis (e.g., [[Genesis 6:17]], [[Genesis 7:6]], [[Genesis 9:11]]). This strong intertextual link ensures that the New Testament usage immediately evokes the Genesis narrative with all its theological implications.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G2627 is enriched by examining its semantic field and related biblical concepts:
* **G2626 (κατακλύζω, *kataklyzō*)**: The verbal form, meaning "to flood" or "to deluge." This is the action from which the noun derives, emphasizing the active, overwhelming nature of the flood.
* **G5204 (ὕδωρ, *hydōr*)**: "Water." While ὕδωρ is a general term, in the context of κατακλυσμός, it refers to water in its destructive, judgmental capacity, not merely as a life-giving element.
* **G2920 (κρίσις, *krisis*)**: "Judgment, condemnation." The κατακλυσμός is presented as a quintessential example of divine judgment against sin and ungodliness.
* **G684 (ἀπώλεια, *apōleia*)**: "Destruction, ruin, perishing." This word often describes the outcome for those swept away by the flood, signifying complete ruin.
* **G4991 (σωτηρία, *sōtēria*)**: "Salvation, deliverance." In stark contrast to the destruction, the flood narrative also highlights God's salvation of Noah and his family, often seen as a type for spiritual salvation.
* **H3999 (מַבּוּל, *mabbūl*)**: The Hebrew term from Genesis for the great flood, consistently translated by G2627 in the Septuagint. This connection is vital for tracing the theological continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
### Theological Significance
The κατακλυσμός holds profound theological significance, serving multiple interpretive functions in the New Testament:
1. **Divine Judgment and Righteousness**: The flood is the preeminent biblical example of God's righteous judgment against pervasive human wickedness. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to moral order. The destruction was not arbitrary but a just response to the corruption of humanity.
2. **Preservation and Salvation**: Alongside judgment, the flood narrative underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant. Noah, characterized as a "herald of righteousness" ([[2 Peter 2:5]]), and his family were divinely protected. This highlights God's selective salvation and His covenantal faithfulness even amidst widespread destruction.
3. **Eschatological Type**: Jesus' use of the flood as an analogy for His second coming is crucial. It serves as a prophetic type, warning that the return of Christ will be sudden, unexpected, and bring about a final, comprehensive judgment upon an unprepared world, similar to the κατακλυσμός that "swept them all away." This emphasizes the urgency of spiritual vigilance and readiness.
4. **Cleansing and New Beginning**: While destructive, the flood also represents a divine act of cleansing, purging the earth of its corruption and paving the way for a new beginning. This prefigures spiritual cleansing and the new creation found in Christ, as alluded to in the New Testament's connection of the flood to baptism ([[1 Peter 3:20-21]]).
### Summary
The Greek word G2627 (κατακλυσμός, *kataklysmós*) precisely denotes a catastrophic, overwhelming flood, specifically referring to the Noahic deluge. In the New Testament, it consistently points to this historical event, serving as a powerful theological symbol. Its occurrences in [[Matthew 24:38-39]], [[Luke 17:27]], and [[2 Peter 2:5]] underscore its significance as a divinely orchestrated act of judgment against ungodliness, a demonstration of God's preservation of the righteous, and a potent prophetic type for the sudden and decisive nature of Christ's second coming and the final judgment. The κατακλυσμός thus stands as a solemn reminder of God's justice, His mercy, and the imperative for humanity to heed His warnings.
TRV