from κατά and λύω; to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e. (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare κατάλυμα) to halt for the night:--destroy, dissolve, be guest, lodge, come to nought, overthrow, throw down.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katalýō**, represented by `{{G2647}}`, primarily means **to loosen down or demolish**. It appears **20 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. Its definition encompasses both literal and figurative destruction, including to **destroy**, **dissolve**, **overthrow**, or **throw down**. The word also possesses a distinct, special meaning: **to halt for the night**, translated as to **be guest** or **lodge**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G2647}}` is used in several key ways. It frequently refers to the literal destruction of physical structures. Jesus prophesied that not one stone of the great buildings of the temple would be left on another that would not be **thrown down** ([[Matthew 24:2]], [[Mark 13:2]]). This same accusation, that he claimed he could **destroy** the temple, was later used against him [[Matthew 26:61]]. Figuratively, the word warns against subverting spiritual truths, as when Paul admonishes believers not to **destroy** the work of God for the sake of meat [[Romans 14:20]]. The word's alternative meaning is found in the Gospels, where the disciples suggest the multitude **lodge** in nearby towns [[Luke 9:12]] and a crowd complains that Jesus has gone to **be guest** with a sinner [[Luke 19:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{G2647}}`:
* `{{G3618}}` **oikodoméō** (to be a house-builder): This word functions as a direct antonym. It is often used in contrast within the same sentence, such as the accusation that Jesus claimed he could **destroy** `{{G2647}}` the temple and **build** `{{G3618}}` it in three days [[Matthew 26:61]].
* `{{G4137}}` **plēróō** (to make replete, to fulfil): This provides a crucial theological contrast. In a foundational statement of his ministry, Jesus clarifies he did not come to **destroy** `{{G2647}}` the Law or the Prophets, but to **fulfil** `{{G4137}}` them [[Matthew 5:17]].
* `{{G2314}}` **theomáchos** (an opponent of deity): This word highlights the gravity of opposing God's work. Gamaliel advises the council that if a plan is of God, they cannot **overthrow** `{{G2647}}` it; to try would be to **fight against God** `{{G2314}}` [[Acts 5:39]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2647}}` is significant, often used to frame contrasts between the human and the divine.
* **The Permanence of God's Work:** The word is central to Gamaliel's argument contrasting human and divine endeavors. A work initiated by men will **come to nought** `{{G2647}}`, but a work of God cannot be **overthrown** [[Acts 5:38-39]].
* **Fulfillment, Not Destruction:** Jesus's teaching in [[Matthew 5:17]] uses `{{G2647}}` to establish the nature of his mission. He came not to **destroy** the established law, but to bring it to its intended completion.
* **The Temporal and the Eternal:** Paul uses the term to distinguish between the mortal body and the eternal one. Our "earthly house" is a temporary structure that can be **dissolved** `{{G2647}}`, which is then replaced by an eternal **building** `{{G3619}}` from God [[2 Corinthians 5:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2647}}` is a multifaceted word that signifies much more than demolition. It is used to describe the literal razing of buildings, the figurative collapse of human plans, and the dissolution of the mortal body, while also carrying the unique meaning of taking shelter for the night. Theologically, it serves as a critical term to contrast the temporary nature of human works with the permanence of God's work and to define Christ's mission as one of fulfillment rather than destruction.
TRV