### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term κόλασις (kólasis, `{{G2851}}`) is derived from the verb κολάζω (kolazō, `{{G2849}}`). The root meaning of κολάζω in classical Greek is "to prune" or "to lop," particularly in reference to trees, implying a cutting back to improve growth or to prevent excessive proliferation. From this agricultural sense, the word evolved to mean "to curb," "to check," "to restrain," and subsequently, "to punish" or "to chastise."
Therefore, κόλασις fundamentally denotes a "penal infliction" or "punishment" that carries an inherent sense of restraint or correction. Unlike some other terms for punishment, κόλασις often implies a measure intended to curb evil, to prevent further transgression, or to serve as a just consequence that maintains order. While it signifies suffering, its underlying nuance is often one of discipline or a just consequence, rather than purely vindictive retribution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κόλασις appears only twice in the New Testament, but both occurrences are profoundly significant:
1. **[[Matthew 25:46]]**: "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
Here, κόλασις is paired with αἰώνιος (aiōnios, "eternal"), forming the crucial phrase κόλασις αἰώνιος ("eternal punishment"). This verse concludes the parable of the sheep and the goats, describing the ultimate destiny of those who failed to minister to "the least of these." The nature of this "eternal punishment" has been a subject of extensive theological discussion. Given the root meaning of κόλασις as a corrective or restraining measure, some have argued for a rehabilitative aspect, even in eternity. However, the accompanying αἰώνιος strongly suggests a final, irreversible state. In this context, κόλασις likely refers to a state of penal infliction that justly restrains evil and is a permanent consequence of rejecting God's will, rather than a process of rehabilitation leading to restoration. It is the just and lasting consequence of being separated from the life of God.
2. **[[1 John 4:18]]**: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. For the one who fears is not perfected in love."
In this passage, κόλασις refers to the "punishment" or torment associated with fear. This is not an external, eschatological judgment, but an internal, present condition. The fear mentioned is likely the dread of judgment or divine wrath that afflicts those whose love for God is incomplete or imperfect. Perfect love, which implies a confident and secure relationship with God, banishes this internal κόλασις, freeing the individual from the torment of an unassured conscience or the apprehension of divine retribution. This usage highlights the psychological and spiritual dimension of κόλασις as an internal consequence of a flawed relationship with God.
In both contexts, κόλασις denotes a negative consequence or suffering directly related to a departure from God's righteous standards or a lack of conformity to His nature.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κολάζω (kolazō, `{{G2849}}`)**: The verbal root, meaning "to punish, to chastise, to check." κόλασις is the noun form of this action.
* **τιμωρία (timōria, `{{G5098}}`)**: This word also translates as "punishment," but it carries a stronger emphasis on vengeance, retribution, and the vindication of the honor of the offended party. While both κόλασις and τιμωρία involve suffering, κόλασις tends to focus more on the disciplinary or restraining aspect, whereas τιμωρία emphasizes the satisfaction of justice through recompense.
* **παιδεία (paideia, `{{G3809}}`)**: Meaning "discipline, training, instruction, chastisement." This term shares the corrective nuance with κόλασις, often referring to the discipline a parent gives a child for their ultimate good. While παιδεία is broader and includes positive instruction, it can also involve punitive measures aimed at correction.
* **ὀργή (orgē, `{{G3709}}`)**: "Wrath, anger." This refers to God's righteous indignation against sin, which is the divine motivation or source leading to κόλασις.
* **κρίσις (krisis, `{{G2920}}`)**: "Judgment." κόλασις is the outcome or consequence of divine κρίσις.
* **βασανισμός (basanismos, `{{G928}}`)**: "Torment, torture." This word often describes the intense *experience* of suffering, particularly in the context of eternal judgment (e.g., in Revelation). While κόλασις refers to the "punishment" itself, βασανισμός describes the agonizing pain involved.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κόλασις is profound, touching upon divine justice, the nature of sin, and eschatological realities:
* **Divine Justice and Righteousness**: κόλασις underscores God's absolute holiness and justice. Sin, as a transgression against a perfectly righteous God, cannot go unaddressed. The concept of κόλασις affirms that God is not indifferent to evil but will justly respond to it with appropriate penal infliction.
* **Eschatological Consequence**: In [[Matthew 25:46]], κόλασις αἰώνιος reveals the solemn and eternal consequences of rejecting Christ and His call to compassionate service. It signifies a definitive and permanent separation from God's presence and blessing for the unrighteous. While the term κόλασις itself might carry a corrective nuance in some contexts, its pairing with αἰώνιος in Matthew points to a final, irreversible state of penal suffering, a just and unending consequence rather than a temporary means to rehabilitation.
* **Internal State and Fear**: [[1 John 4:18]] provides insight into the present, internal κόλασις that results from a lack of perfect love for God. This highlights the psychological and spiritual torment that arises from an imperfect relationship with God, driven by the fear of judgment. Conversely, it emphasizes the liberating power of perfect love, which casts out such fear and the associated internal κόλασις.
* **Purpose of Punishment**: The precise purpose of κόλασις, especially in its eternal manifestation, remains a subject of theological discussion. While its root meaning points to restraint and correction, the New Testament usage, particularly in [[Matthew 25:46]], emphasizes its role as a final, just consequence for the unrighteous, affirming the eternal nature of God's judgment and the seriousness of human choices. It serves to uphold the moral order of the universe and demonstrate God's unwavering justice.
### Summary
The Greek word κόλασις (kólasis, `{{G2851}}`) denotes "penal infliction" or "punishment," stemming from κολάζω (kolazō, `{{G2849}}`), which originally meant "to prune" or "to curb." While retaining a nuance of restraint or correction, its primary New Testament usage is in the context of divine judgment. It appears most notably in [[Matthew 25:46]] as κόλασις αἰώνιος, "eternal punishment," signifying the final, irreversible consequence for the unrighteous. In [[1 John 4:18]], it describes the internal "punishment" or torment associated with fear and imperfect love. Distinct from τιμωρία (timōria, `{{G5098}}`), which emphasizes retribution, κόλασις often carries the sense of a just, disciplinary consequence. Theologically, κόλασις affirms God's righteous justice, the serious nature of sin, and the eternal consequences of rejecting divine grace, serving as a solemn reminder of ultimate accountability before a holy God.