### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατασφάττω (kataspháttō, `{{G2695}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (katá), which can denote intensity, completion, or a downward action, and the verb σφάζω (spházō, `{{G4969}}`), meaning "to slaughter, slay, butcher, or sacrifice." The combination thus signifies a forceful, decisive, and often violent act of "killing down" or "thoroughly slaughtering." It implies not merely to kill, but to execute with a sense of finality and often brutality, akin to butchering. The intensifying force of κατά underscores the completeness and severity of the act, suggesting a total eradication rather than a simple termination of life. This word carries a strong connotation of violent execution, often in a context of judgment or sacrifice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κατασφάττω (kataspháttō, `{{G2695}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 19:27]]**: "But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and κατασφάττω (slaughter) them before me."
This singular occurrence is highly significant, appearing at the climax of the Parable of the Minas (or Talents in Matthew's parallel). In this parable, a nobleman goes away to receive a kingdom and returns to settle accounts with his servants. Crucially, before his departure, his citizens send a delegation after him, declaring, "We do not want this man to reign over us" [[Luke 19:14]]. Upon his return, having received the kingdom, the nobleman deals with his faithful servants and then turns his attention to these rebellious citizens. The command to "slaughter them before me" (κατασφάττω αὐτοὺς ἔμπροσθέν μου) is a stark and severe pronouncement of judgment.
Contextually, this command represents the ultimate, decisive judgment against those who outright reject the rightful authority of the king. It is a parabolic representation of the severe consequences awaiting those who refuse to acknowledge and submit to Christ's kingship. The choice of κατασφάττω emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of this judgment, signifying a total eradication of the rebellious opposition. It underscores the gravity of spiritual rebellion and the finality of divine wrath against those who defiantly oppose God's reign.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **σφάζω (spházō, `{{G4969}}`)**: This is the root verb from which κατασφάττω is formed. σφάζω itself means "to slaughter, slay, butcher," often used for killing animals for sacrifice or food, but also for violent human deaths. The addition of κατά in κατασφάττω intensifies this meaning, emphasizing a more thorough or complete act of slaughter. While σφάζω can describe a killing, κατασφάττω suggests a more definitive, often mass, or utterly destructive killing.
* **ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō, `{{G615}}`)**: A more general term for "to kill, put to death." While it can refer to violent death, it lacks the specific nuance of "slaughter" or "butchering" inherent in κατασφάττω.
* **φονεύω (phoneuō, `{{G5407}}`)**: "To murder, kill." This term often carries the ethical implication of unlawful or unjust killing. κατασφάττω, while violent, is presented in [[Luke 19:27]] as an act of righteous judgment by a legitimate authority.
* **Concepts**: The use of κατασφάττω is intrinsically linked to concepts of divine judgment, ultimate consequences, the rejection of divine authority, and the absolute nature of God's sovereignty. It evokes the imagery of decisive execution against those who stand in opposition to the King's reign.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of κατασφάττω rests almost entirely on its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 19:27]]. In the context of the Parable of the Minas, this verb serves as a stark warning about the ultimate fate of those who refuse to accept Christ's kingship. It is not an endorsement of physical violence by believers, but a parabolic illustration of the severity of divine judgment.
The "slaughter" commanded by the returning nobleman symbolizes the absolute and final destruction that awaits those who defiantly reject God's rule. This judgment is not arbitrary but is the just consequence for deliberate and persistent rebellion against the rightful King. The intensity of κατασφάττω conveys that this is a total and irreversible separation from the King's favor and presence, leading to utter ruin.
The passage underscores several key theological truths:
1. **Christ's Kingship is Non-Negotiable**: His reign is established and will ultimately be fully asserted, despite human opposition.
2. **Accountability and Judgment**: There will be a day of reckoning where all will be judged according to their response to Christ's authority.
3. **Severity of Rebellion**: Rejecting Christ's rule is not a minor offense but an act of profound rebellion with eternal consequences. The imagery of κατασφάττω powerfully communicates this gravity.
4. **Divine Justice**: While terrifying in its imagery, the act is presented as an exercise of justice by the rightful authority, ensuring the integrity and peace of the kingdom.
### Summary
κατασφάττω (kataspháttō, `{{G2695}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to slaughter thoroughly" or "to kill down," emphasizing a complete and decisive act of violent execution. Its singular but impactful occurrence in the New Testament, specifically in [[Luke 19:27]], portrays the severe and final judgment enacted by the returning king against those who defiantly rejected his authority. Theologically, this word serves as a vivid parabolic illustration of the dire consequences awaiting those who refuse to acknowledge and submit to Christ's undisputed kingship. It underscores the non-negotiable nature of divine sovereignty, the certainty of ultimate judgment, and the profound gravity of spiritual rebellion against the rightful King. The intensity of κατά combined with σφάζω leaves no doubt about the absolute and irreversible nature of the judgment described.
TRV