Berean Strong's Lexicon hairetikos: Heretical, factious Original Word: αἱρετικός Word Origin: Derived from αἱρέομαι (haireomai), meaning "to choose" or "to prefer." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "hairetikos," the concept of divisiveness or causing division can be related to Hebrew terms such as מַחֲלֹקֶת (machloqeth), meaning "division" or "dispute." Usage: The term "hairetikos" is used in the New Testament to describe someone who is divisive or factious, particularly in the context of religious beliefs. It refers to a person who chooses to follow their own opinions or doctrines, often leading to division within the community of believers. The word implies a deliberate choice to deviate from accepted teachings or practices, often resulting in the formation of sects or factions. Cultural and Historical Background: In the early Christian church, maintaining doctrinal purity was of utmost importance. The term "hairetikos" would have been used to describe individuals who introduced teachings contrary to the apostolic doctrine, thereby threatening the unity and orthodoxy of the church. The early church faced numerous challenges from various heretical movements, such as Gnosticism and Judaizers, which sought to distort the gospel message. The use of "hairetikos" reflects the early church's efforts to preserve the integrity of the Christian faith against such divisive influences. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 141 hairetikós (an adjective, derived from 138 /hairéomai, "to choose, have a distinctive opinion") – a factious person, specializing in half-truths and misimpressions "to win others over" to their personal opinion (misguided zeal) – while creating harmful divisions (used only in Tit 3:10). See 139 (hairesis). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom haireó Definition causing division NASB Translation factious (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 141: αἱρετικόςαἱρετικός, (ή, (see αἱρέω); 1. fitted or able to take or choose a thing; rare in secular authors. 2. schismatic, factious, a follower of false doctrine: Titus 3:10. From the same as hairetizo; a schismatic -- heretic (the Greek word itself). see GREEK hairetizo |
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