Berean Strong's Lexicon kathairó: To cleanse, to purify, to prune Original Word: καθαίρω Word Origin: From the Greek root καθαρός (katharos), meaning "clean" or "pure." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of cleansing and purification in Hebrew is often associated with the root טָהֵר (taher), Strong's Hebrew 2891, which means to be clean or pure. Usage: The verb καθαίρω (kathairó) primarily means to cleanse or purify. In a metaphorical sense, it is used to describe the act of pruning, as in the removal of superfluous branches to promote growth and fruitfulness. This term is often used in the context of spiritual purification and moral cleansing, emphasizing the removal of sin and impurities from one's life. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, the concept of cleansing was significant in both religious and everyday contexts. Ritual purification was a common practice in various religious ceremonies, symbolizing the removal of defilement and the restoration of purity. In agriculture, pruning was an essential practice to ensure the health and productivity of plants, particularly vines. This agricultural metaphor was easily understood by the agrarian societies of the biblical world and was used by Jesus to illustrate spiritual truths. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2508 kathaírō – make clean by purging (removing undesirable elements); hence, "pruned (purged)"; eliminating what is fruitless by purifying (making unmixed). See 2513 (katharos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom katharos Definition to cleanse NASB Translation prunes (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2508: καθαίρωκαθαίρω; perfect passive participle κεκαθαρμενος; (καθαρός); to cleanse, properly, from filth, impurity, etc.; trees and vines (from useless shoots), to prune, John 15:2 (δένδρα ... ὑποτεμνομενα καθαίρεται, Philo de agric. § 2 (cf. de somniis ii. § 9 middle)); metaphorically, from guilt, to expiate: passive Hebrews 10:2 R G (see καθαρίζω, at the beginning) (Jeremiah 13:27; and so in Greek writings from Herodotus down). (Compare: διακαθαίρω, ἐκκαθαίρω.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance purge. From katharos; to cleanse, i.e. (specially) to prune; figuratively, to expiate -- purge. see GREEK katharos Forms and Transliterations εκάθαιρε καθαιρει καθαίρει καθαιρείται κεκαθαρμένους kathairei kathaíreiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |