### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katatomḗ**, represented by `{{G2699}}`, is defined as "a cutting down (off), i.e. mutilation". Used ironically, it is translated as **concision**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in the entirety of the Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G2699}}` is in [[Philippians 3:2]], where it is part of a forceful and repeated warning: "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the **concision**." In this context, the term is used to label a group of people whom the author considers dangerous to the church. The word itself, implying a mere physical cutting or mutilation, is employed to create a sharp, negative contrast.
### Related Words & Concepts
The warning in which `{{G2699}}` appears is intensified by the words surrounding it:
* `{{G991}}` **blépō**: This word, meaning "to look at" or to "see," is used here as a command to **beware**. It calls for vigilance and caution, as seen in the warning against being deceived by philosophy [[Colossians 2:8]].
* `{{G2965}}` **kýōn**: This term for **dog** is used figuratively to denote individuals who are impure or outside the community of the faithful. For example, the book of Revelation states that **dogs** and sorcerers are kept outside the holy city [[Revelation 22:15]].
* `{{G2556}}` **kakós**: Defined as intrinsically worthless or depraved, this word for **evil** points to the harmful nature of the individuals being described. Its use is found in warnings against things that corrupt, such as **evil** communications [[1 Corinthians 15:33]] or the love of money as the root of all **evil** [[1 Timothy 6:10]].
* `{{G2040}}` **ergátēs**: Meaning a **worker** or labourer, this term is negatively qualified by "evil" in [[Philippians 3:2]]. This contrasts with its positive use for diligent laborers in God's harvest [[Matthew 9:37]], but aligns with its use to describe deceitful **workers** who masquerade as apostles [[2 Corinthians 11:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2699}}` is derived from its pointed and singular use as a term of condemnation.
* **A Stern Warning:** Its placement within the threefold command to "beware" `{{G991}}` underscores the serious spiritual threat posed by the group it identifies [[Philippians 3:2]].
* **An Ironic Rebuke:** The term's root meaning of "mutilation" or a "cutting down" is used ironically. It designates a practice not as holy, but as a destructive and purely physical act.
* **Association with Depravity:** By being grouped with "**dogs**" `{{G2965}}` and "**evil** `{{G2556}}` **workers**" `{{G2040}}`, the "concision" is firmly associated with those who are deceitful, spiritually impure, and injurious to the faith.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2699}}` is a powerful, albeit solitary, word in the biblical text. Its meaning of "mutilation" is used ironically in [[Philippians 3:2]] to issue a stark warning against a specific group. Contextualized by other severe terms like "dogs" and "evil workers," **katatomḗ** serves as a potent label for those whose actions are considered a harmful corruption rather than a sign of true faith.
TRV