### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2679}}` *kataskáptō* is a compound word derived from the preposition *katá* (`{{G2596}}`, meaning "down," "against," or indicating completion/intensity) and the verb *skaptō* (`{{G4626}}`, meaning "to dig" or "to excavate"). Literally, therefore, *kataskáptō* signifies "to dig down" or "to undermine." This literal sense carries a strong implication of thoroughness and totality in the action. When something is "dug down," it is not merely damaged but fundamentally dismantled from its foundations.
From this literal meaning, *kataskáptō* extends semantically to denote complete destruction or ruin. It suggests an act of demolition that leaves something in a state of utter collapse, often implying a deliberate and thorough act of bringing something to naught. The "down" aspect of *katá* intensifies the action of "digging," emphasizing the complete overthrow or obliteration of a structure or entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G2679}}` *kataskáptō* appears only once, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 15:16]]**: "After this I will return and rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it." This verse is part of James's speech at the Jerusalem Council, where he quotes from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Amos 9:11]]. The phrase "its ruins" translates the Greek *tà kateskamména autēs*, literally "its things dug down" or "its things made desolate by digging down."
In its original context in [[Amos 9:11]] (LXX), the prophet speaks of a future time when the Lord will restore the "booth of David that is fallen" (LXX: *tēn skēnēn Dauid tēn peptōkuian*). The "ruins" refer to the state of utter desolation and destruction that has befallen the Davidic kingdom. This is a prophetic statement of divine judgment leading to a state of collapse.
In [[Acts 15:16]], James applies this prophecy to the present work of God, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles into the community of faith. The "fallen tent of David" and its "ruins" are understood not merely as the physical or political collapse of the Davidic monarchy but as the spiritual and corporate desolation of God's people, which God now promises to "rebuild" and "restore" in Christ. The fact that the "ruins" are to be rebuilt underscores God's power to bring about restoration even from a state of complete destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of destruction and ruin conveyed by `{{G2679}}` *kataskáptō* is often contrasted with or related to words signifying building and restoration.
* **Words of Destruction/Ruin:**
* `{{G622}}` *apóllumi*: to destroy, to perish, often implying a complete loss or ruin.
* `{{G2647}}` *katalyō*: to tear down, to dissolve, to overthrow, particularly used of structures or institutions.
* `{{G2049}}` *erēmóō*: to make desolate, to lay waste, to make a wilderness.
* `{{G3639}}` *olethros*: ruin, destruction, often implying utter devastation.
* **Words of Building/Restoration:**
* `{{G3618}}` *oikodoméō*: to build, to edify, to construct, often used metaphorically for spiritual building.
* `{{G458}}` *anorthóō*: to raise up, to restore, to make straight again.
* `{{G1453}}` *egeírō*: to raise up, to awaken, often implying resurrection or restoration from a fallen state.
The pairing of *kataskáptō* (ruin) with terms like *anoikodoméō* (rebuild) and *anorthóō* (restore) in [[Amos 9:11]] and [[Acts 15:16]] highlights a profound biblical theme: divine judgment and desolation are often precursors to God's redemptive work of restoration and new creation.
### Theological Significance
The singular New Testament usage of `{{G2679}}` *kataskáptō* in [[Acts 15:16]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a powerful descriptor of a state of profound spiritual or historical collapse, yet it is immediately followed by a promise of divine rebuilding.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment and Restoration:** The word underscores God's sovereign power not only to allow or bring about the "digging down" and ruin of human institutions or spiritual conditions but also, and more importantly, His ultimate power to "raise up" and "rebuild." The "ruins" are not the final word; they are but a stage in God's unfolding plan.
2. **Prophecy and Fulfillment:** James's use of this word in quoting Amos demonstrates the continuity of God's redemptive plan across the Old and New Testaments. The "fallen tent of David" represents the diminished state of God's people (Israel) and the Davidic covenant, which is now being gloriously restored and expanded through the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to include Gentiles. The "ruins" become the foundation for a new, spiritual edifice.
3. **The Inclusive Nature of God's Kingdom:** The context of [[Acts 15:16]] at the Jerusalem Council is critical. The "rebuilding" of the "ruins" of the Davidic tent signifies the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community, demonstrating that God's plan of salvation is not limited to one ethnic group but encompasses all who believe. The "ruins" are transformed into a dwelling place for all nations.
4. **Hope in Desolation:** The word, while denoting utter destruction, paradoxically becomes a word of hope. Even when things appear utterly ruined or "dug down," God is capable of bringing about a profound and comprehensive restoration, raising new life and purpose from what seems utterly lost.
### Summary
`{{G2679}}` *kataskáptō* literally means "to dig down" and semantically signifies "to utterly destroy" or "to ruin." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 15:16]], a quotation from [[Amos 9:11]] (LXX), describes the "ruins" of the "fallen tent of David." This term powerfully conveys a state of complete desolation or collapse. Theologically, however, this word of destruction is immediately followed by a divine promise of restoration and rebuilding. It highlights God's sovereign power to bring about judgment and ruin, yet ultimately to raise up and restore what was utterly broken, particularly in the context of the expansion of His kingdom to include Gentiles. Thus, *kataskáptō* serves as a poignant descriptor of a necessary prelude to God's redemptive work, demonstrating that even from profound ruin, God brings forth glorious new life and purpose.
TRV