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 verb καταλύω (katalýō), Strong's number `{{G2647}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb λύω (lyō), meaning "to loosen," "to untie," or "to release." The core etymological sense is therefore "to loosen down" or "to unbind thoroughly."
This fundamental meaning branches into several distinct semantic applications within the New Testament:
1. **To Demolish/Destroy (Literal):** This refers to the physical tearing down or overthrowing of structures, such as buildings or walls. It conveys a sense of complete disintegration or ruination from the top down.
2. **To Invalidate/Annul/Overthrow (Figurative):** In a non-physical sense, katalýō signifies the act of making something null and void, bringing it to nought, or subverting its authority or purpose. This can apply to laws, customs, arguments, or even spiritual powers.
3. **To Dissolve/Bring to an End:** This nuance suggests a process of decay or disintegration, leading to the cessation of existence or function, often with an implication of finality.
4. **To Lodge/Be a Guest:** A specialized and distinct meaning, deriving from the practice of "unharnessing" (λύω) animals "down" (κατά) at an inn or dwelling for the night. Thus, it means to halt for the night, to find lodging, or to be a guest. This sense is closely related to κατάλυμα `{{G2646}}`, meaning "inn" or "guest room."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb katalýō appears in various contexts in the New Testament, illustrating its rich semantic range:
* **Prophecy of Temple Destruction:** Jesus repeatedly uses katalýō to prophesy the complete demolition of the Jerusalem Temple. In [[Matthew 24:2]], [[Mark 13:2]], and [[Luke 21:6]], He declares that "not one stone will be left on another, which will not be thrown down" (οὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται). This points to a literal, comprehensive destruction, fulfilled in A.D. 70.
* **Jesus and the Law:** A pivotal theological use is found in [[Matthew 5:17]], where Jesus states, "Do not think that I have come to abolish (καταλῦσαι) the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Here, katalýō signifies invalidating, annulling, or bringing to an end the divine revelation. Jesus emphatically denies such an intent, asserting His mission as one of fulfillment and completion, not destruction.
* **Overthrowing Human vs. Divine Works:** Gamaliel, in [[Acts 5:38-39]], advises the Sanhedrin concerning the apostles: "If this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will be overthrown (καταλυθήσεται); but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow (καταλῦσαι) them." This highlights the distinction between transient human endeavors and the enduring, unstoppable work of God.
* **Destroying the Works of the Devil:** In [[1 John 3:8]], it is declared, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy (ἵνα λύσῃ, though some manuscripts use καταλύσῃ, and the sense is clearly of dismantling) the works of the devil." While the common reading is λύσῃ, the underlying concept of dismantling or bringing to nought the devil's influence aligns perfectly with the broader sense of katalýō.
* **The Earthly Tent Dissolved:** Paul uses katalýō metaphorically in [[2 Corinthians 5:1]] when speaking of the human body: "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed (καταλυθῇ), we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." Here, it conveys the idea of the body's dissolution or decay, pointing to the transient nature of physical existence in contrast to eternal spiritual reality.
* **Lodging/Being a Guest:** This distinct meaning appears in Luke's Gospel. In [[Luke 9:12]], the disciples suggest sending the crowds away "to go into the surrounding villages and country to find lodging (καταλύσωσιν) and get provisions." Similarly, in [[Luke 19:7]], when Jesus enters Zacchaeus's house, the crowd murmurs, "He has gone in to be the guest (καταλῦσαι) of a man who is a sinner." These instances reflect the practical aspect of travel and hospitality in the ancient world.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding katalýō is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek words and theological concepts:
* **λύω `{{G3089}}` (lyō):** The root verb, meaning "to loose," "untie," "release," or "set free." katalýō intensifies this with the κατά prefix, signifying a complete or thorough loosening, often leading to destruction or dissolution.
* **κατάλυμα `{{G2646}}` (katalyma):** Directly related to the "lodging" sense of katalýō, this noun refers to an "inn" or "guest room" (e.g., [[Luke 2:7]], [[Mark 14:14]], [[Luke 22:11]]).
* **ἀθετέω `{{G114}}` (athetéō):** To set aside, reject, or nullify. This word shares semantic overlap with katalýō in its sense of invalidating or making something void (e.g., [[Mark 7:9]]).
* **καθαιρέω `{{G2507}}` (kathaíreō):** To take down, pull down, demolish. Often used for physical destruction, similar to the literal sense of katalýō (e.g., [[Luke 12:18]] - pulling down barns).
* **ἀφανίζω `{{G85}}` (aphanízō):** To make unseen, destroy, or cause to vanish. This word also conveys a sense of bringing something to an end or making it disappear (e.g., [[Matthew 6:19]]).
* **πληρόω `{{G4137}}` (plēróō):** To fulfill, complete, or bring to full measure. This word stands in direct antithesis to katalýō in [[Matthew 5:17]], highlighting Jesus' mission not to abolish but to bring the Law to its intended purpose and ultimate realization.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of katalýō is profound, particularly in its varied applications:
* **Christ's Relationship to the Old Covenant:** The declaration in [[Matthew 5:17]] is foundational. Jesus' assertion that He came "not to abolish but to fulfill" the Law and the Prophets underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan while simultaneously signaling a new era. He did not come to dismantle the divine revelation but to bring it to its intended eschatological climax, embodying its essence and revealing its ultimate purpose. This refutes any notion that Christ's coming negated God's prior covenants; rather, He perfected them.
* **The Transience of the Material and the Enduring Nature of the Divine:** The use of katalýō for the destruction of the Temple and the dissolution of the earthly body ([[2 Corinthians 5:1]]) highlights the temporary and perishable nature of physical structures and human existence. This contrasts sharply with the eternal, spiritual reality that God provides. The Temple's destruction symbolized the end of an old order and the coming of a new covenant where God's presence is not confined to a building but dwells among His people.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Opposition:** When katalýō describes the overthrowing of human plans or the destruction of the devil's works ([[Acts 5:38-39]], [[1 John 3:8]]), it powerfully affirms God's ultimate sovereignty. No human power or demonic scheme can ultimately thwart God's purposes. What is not of God will eventually "come to nought" or be "overthrown," while His divine work will stand eternally.
* **Hospitality as a Virtue:** While less prominent, the "lodging" sense of katalýō in Luke's Gospel subtly points to the importance of hospitality within the context of ministry and community. Jesus' willingness to "lodge" with Zacchaeus ([[Luke 19:7]]) exemplifies His mission to seek and save the lost, transcending social barriers and embracing those deemed outsiders.
### Summary
The Greek verb katalýō `{{G2647}}`, derived from κατά (down) and λύω (to loosen), carries a versatile and significant semantic range in the New Testament. Its core meaning of "to loosen down" extends to encompass literal demolition (e.g., the Temple in [[Matthew 24:2]]), figurative invalidation or nullification (e.g., the Law in [[Matthew 5:17]]), and the dissolution of transient forms (e.g., the earthly body in [[2 Corinthians 5:1]]). Distinctively, it also means to "lodge" or "be a guest," stemming from the act of unharnessing for the night (e.g., [[Luke 19:7]]). Theologically, katalýō illuminates Christ's relationship to the Old Covenant as one of fulfillment rather than abolition, underscores the transient nature of earthly realities compared to God's enduring truth, and affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over all opposing forces.
TRV