### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective κατείδωλος (kateídōlos `{{G2712}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (kata `{{G2596}}`) and the noun εἴδωλον (eidōlon `{{G1497}}`). The preposition κατά here functions as an intensifier, denoting completeness or thoroughness, rather than its more common spatial sense of "down" or "against." The noun εἴδωλον refers to an idol, an image, or a false god, deriving from εἶδος (eidos), meaning "form" or "appearance."
Thus, κατείδωλος literally means "down with idols" in a sense of being utterly saturated or overwhelmed by them, or "completely given over to idolatry." The base definition accurately captures this intensive meaning: "utterly idolatrous" or "wholly given to idolatry." It describes a pervasive, deep-seated condition where the worship of idols is not merely an occasional practice but defines the very spiritual landscape or character of a place or people. It implies a state of being entirely consumed by false worship, indicating a profound spiritual blindness and deviation from the worship of the one true God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word κατείδωλος (kateídōlos `{{G2712}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 17:16]]**: "Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry."
This singular occurrence is highly significant. Paul, awaiting Silas and Timothy in Athens, a city renowned for its philosophical schools and numerous temples, observes its spiritual condition. The term κατείδωλος powerfully conveys the extent of the idolatry he witnessed. It wasn't just that there were idols, but that the entire city seemed saturated with them, indicating a pervasive and deeply entrenched polytheistic culture. The phrase "wholly given to idolatry" (or "full of idols," as some translations render it) underscores the overwhelming presence of false worship in public and private life.
Paul's reaction—his "spirit was provoked within him"—highlights the gravity of this observation. This is not mere intellectual disagreement but a profound spiritual anguish and righteous indignation. The sight of a city so utterly devoted to false gods stirred his zeal for the one true God, setting the stage for his famous sermon on Mars Hill, where he sought to declare the "unknown God" ([[Acts 17:23]]) to the Athenians. The context reveals a society that, despite its intellectual sophistication, was spiritually lost, worshipping creation rather than the Creator.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of κατείδωλος is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and theological counterparts:
* **εἴδωλον (eidōlon `{{G1497}}`)**: The root noun, meaning "idol," "image," or "phantom." This is the object of false worship.
* **εἰδωλολατρεία (eidōlolatreia `{{G1495}}`)**: "Idolatry," referring to the act or practice of worshipping idols. This term appears frequently in the New Testament, condemning the practice (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 10:14]], [[Galatians 5:20]], [[Colossians 3:5]]).
* **εἰδωλολάτρης (eidōlolatrēs `{{G1496}}`)**: "Idolater," one who practices idolatry. This refers to the person engaged in such worship (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 5:10]], [[Revelation 21:8]]).
* **κατά (kata `{{G2596}}`)**: The intensifying preposition, which gives κατείδωλος its unique force of thoroughness.
* **Old Testament Context**: The concept of idolatry is central to the Old Testament, particularly in the Ten Commandments ([[Exodus 20:3-5]]) and throughout the prophetic books, where Israel's turning to false gods is consistently condemned as spiritual adultery and a violation of the covenant. The Hebrew term פֶּסֶל (pesel `{{H6459}}`) often refers to a graven image, and עֲבֹדָה זָרָה (avodah zarah) to "strange worship" or "idolatry."
* **Theological Concepts**: This word brings into focus concepts such as polytheism, false worship, spiritual blindness, human depravity, and the exclusivity of God's worship. It stands in stark contrast to the true and living God, demanding singular devotion and rejecting any rival.
### Theological Significance
The single use of κατείδωλος carries profound theological weight.
1. **The Gravity of Idolatry**: Paul's visceral reaction ("his spirit was provoked") underscores the extreme offense that idolatry poses to God. Idolatry is not merely a misguided religious practice; it is a direct assault on God's unique glory, sovereignty, and holiness. It represents a fundamental misdirection of worship, giving to created things the honor due only to the Creator ([[Romans 1:25]]).
2. **Pervasive Sin and Cultural Depravity**: The term "wholly given to idolatry" reveals how deeply sin, specifically the sin of idolatry, can permeate a culture and society. It speaks to a condition where false worship is not just tolerated but is an intrinsic part of the social and spiritual fabric. This highlights humanity's fallen propensity to create gods in its own image or to worship elements of creation, rather than acknowledging the transcendent God.
3. **The Need for the Gospel**: The bleak picture painted by κατείδωλος provides the backdrop for Paul's evangelistic mission. It demonstrates the dire spiritual need of humanity apart from Christ. Paul's response was not merely to condemn but to proclaim the one true God who had been "unknown" to them. The Gospel, therefore, stands as the divine antidote to spiritual blindness and the power of idolatry, calling people out of darkness into the marvelous light of Christ.
4. **Broader Understanding of Idolatry**: While κατείδωλος specifically refers to the worship of physical idols, the New Testament expands the concept of idolatry to include anything that takes the place of God in one's life. Greed ([[Colossians 3:5]]), covetousness, and even self-worship can be forms of idolatry, demonstrating that the human heart is an "idol factory." This word serves as a powerful reminder that true worship requires exclusive devotion to God alone.
### Summary
The Greek word κατείδωλος (kateídōlos `{{G2712}}`) powerfully describes a state of being "utterly" or "wholly" given over to idolatry. This compound term, emphasizing the intensive nature of κατά and the core meaning of εἴδωλον (idol), signifies a pervasive and deeply entrenched devotion to false gods. Its sole occurrence in [[Acts 17:16]] vividly portrays the spiritual condition of ancient Athens, a city so saturated with idols that it provoked Paul's spirit to righteous indignation. This word underscores the profound gravity of idolatry as an affront to God's unique sovereignty and highlights humanity's deep-seated propensity to worship creation rather than the Creator. The theological significance of κατείδωλος lies in its revelation of the pervasive nature of sin, the spiritual darkness that necessitates the Gospel, and the exclusive claim of the one true God upon human worship. It serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual battle against false worship and the transformative power of the message of Christ.
TRV