Lexical Summary katatomé: Mutilation, cutting Original Word: κατατομή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mutilation, cutting in piecesFrom a compound of kata and temno (to cut); a cutting down (off), i.e. Mutilation (ironically) -- concision. Compare apokopto. see GREEK kata see GREEK apokopto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and temnó (to cut) Definition concision, mutilation NASB Translation false circumcision (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2699: κατατομήκατατομή, κατατομης, ἡ (from κατατέμνω (cf. κατά, III. 4) to cut up, mutilate), mutilation (Latinconcisio): Philippians 3:2, where Paul sarcastically alludes to the word περιτομή which follows in Philippians 3:3; as though he would say, Keep your eye on that boasted circumcision, or to call it by its true name 'concision' or 'mutilation.' Cf. the similar passage, Galatians 5:12; see ἀποκόπτω. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Immediate Context The noun κατατομή appears once in the Greek New Testament, Philippians 3:2, where Paul writes, “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the mutilation!” (Berean Standard Bible). By choosing a term that conveys “cutting-to-pieces,” Paul intentionally contrasts the empty ritual demanded by certain Judaizers with the authentic “circumcision” (περιτομή) of the next verse, which he defines as worshiping by the Spirit of God, glorying in Christ Jesus, and putting no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). Contrast with True Circumcision 1. Heart versus flesh: Romans 2:28-29 distinguishes outward circumcision from inward, Spirit-wrought obedience. Paul’s use of κατατομή brands the former as mere bodily injury when unaccompanied by faith. Historical Background • Judaizing pressure: First-century Jewish evangelists insisted that Gentile believers adopt Mosaic circumcision (Acts 15:1-5). The Jerusalem Council rejected this as a gospel add-on (Acts 15:7-11, 19-20), yet the controversy resurfaced repeatedly (Galatians 2:4; Titus 1:10). Theological Significance • Gospel sufficiency: Κατατομή underscores that external rites cannot add to the finished work of Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Ministry and Pastoral Application • Guard the flock: As Paul urges vigilance—“Beware…”—shepherds must protect congregations from any teaching that conditions acceptance with God on external observances or ethnic identity. Related Old Testament Background • Cutting contrasted with covenant life: Leviticus 21:5 forbids priests from self-mutilation, associating it with pagan rites. Κατατομή taps that imagery to portray fleshly boasting as akin to pagan practice. Summary Κατατομή is more than a colorful insult; it is a theological verdict. Any confidence placed in ritual performance rather than in Christ crucified is spiritually bankrupt—mere mutilation. By highlighting that reality, Philippians 3:2 directs believers to glory in the Savior who circumcises hearts, unites Jew and Gentile, and empowers His people to “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1). Forms and Transliterations κατατομην κατατομήν katatomen katatomēn katatomḗnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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