Katabole

A Greek Word Study

BY PASTOR BEN HEATH

I. Introduction Definitions. According to Strong's, katabole () is defined as "a deposition, i.e. founding; fig. conception."1 Other general definitions of the term found in Vine's include: casting down, conceiving seed, a foundation, and that which is laid down.2 Etymology. Concerning the history of its usage, the Greek noun katabole () has a corresponding verb kataballo () meaning "to cast down, or overthrow."3 The verb kataballo () comes from two words: (), a

1 2

James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, (Hendrickson Publishers) Vines Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, s.v. "foundation." (Thomas Nelson Publishers, E.W. Bullinger, The Companion Bible, (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1922), Ap. 146.

1985).
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primary particle; meaning "down" in place or time, and , a primary verb; meaning "to throw" more or less violent or intense.4 In order to gain the full meaning of the noun katabole, the verbal form kataballo must be studied here also. Synonyms. The noun themelios () has a similar meaning to the Greek noun Katabole. Themelios generally means: something put down or a substruction of a building; i.e. foundation.5 This word is never used in connection with the world (kosmos) or the earth (ge).6 The corresponding verb themeliou is only used once in connection with the earth (ge). The noun kataballo is however used in connection with the earth many times. Occurrence. The noun katabole is found 11 times in the New Testament, and the corresponding verb kataballo is found 3 times in the New Testament. The noun katabole is translated in the King James Version as: "foundation" 10 times and "conceive" 1 time. Note: when the noun katabole was translated as "foundation," it was always found within the phrases "before the foundation of the world" or "from the foundation of the world." The corresponding verb kataballo is translated as: "cast down" 2 times and "laying" 1 time. II. Usage of the Term General Usage of the Term. Below are a couple examples of how the noun katabole is used in scripture: Matthew 13:34-35: (34) All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them: (35) That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, "I will open my mouth in
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James Strong James Strong E.W. Bullinger, Ap. 146.

parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world." Revelation 13:4; 7-9: (4) And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, "Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" (7) And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds and tongues, and nations. (8) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (9) If any man have an ear, let him hear. As we can see from these two verses, the noun katabole is a very unique word. In Matthew 13, it is used in connection with secrets pertaining to the Kingdom of Heaven spoken in parables by Jesus Christ. In Revelation 13, it states that all of the inhabitants of the earth will worship the dragon (i.e. Satan), whose names were not written in the book of life of the lamb slain "from the katabole of the world." People's names have actually been written in the book of life "from the katabole of the world?" When exactly was the "katabole of the world?" That raises some interesting questions considering the various scriptures pertaining to this period known as the katabole. Moreover this word is also used in Ephesians chapter 1: (3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: (5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. This verse states that some of God's servants were chosen and predestinated before the "katabole of the world." The katabole appears to have been quite a significant event, being that God chose servants before it occurred; and He also kept certain things secret from the time of this event. Specific Usage of the Term. The use of the verb kataballo in Revelation chapter 12 may help give us a better look at the proper translation of the noun katabole:

(10) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down (kataballo), which accused them before God day and night. Here we see that the verb kataballo has been translated as "cast down" in the King James Version. This may provide us with a more accurate rendering of the noun katabole. Notice that Satan was "cast down" not "established or set in order," such as the synonym word themelios implies. Thus, the noun katabole ought to be translated "disruption", or "ruin" rather than "foundation."7

III. Conclusion Theological Significance. There appears to be a time in history when there was a "casting down" or "destruction" of the world; otherwise known as the katabole. This "casting down" is referred to by some, as Satan's first rebellion. Because of this rebellion, God destroyed the world that then was by great natural catastrophes. It is also significant to note that God chose some people before the katabole. If one could be chosen before the katabole, one's soul must have existed during the katabole. These are known as God's elect who were not led astray during Satan's rebellion (Eph 1:4). Application. Dr. Bullinger states that: Kataball! and katabol" are not the proper terms for founding and foundation, but the correct meaning is casting down, or overthrowThe remarkable thing is that in all occurrences (except Heb. 11.11) the word is connected with "the world" (Gr. kosmos. Ap.129.1), and therefore the expression should be rendered "the disruption (or ruin) of the world", clearly referring to the condition indicated in Gen. 1.2, and described in 2Pet. 3.5,6. For the earth was not created toh# (Isa. 45:18), but became so, as stated in the Hebrew of Gen. 1.2 and confirmed by 2Pet. 3.6"The disruption of the world' is an event forming a great dividing line in the
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E.W. Bullinger, Ap. 146.

dispensations of the ages. In Gen. 1.1 we have the founding of the world (Heb. 1.10=themelio!), but in Gen. 1.2 we have its overthrow. IV. Bibliography Bullinger, E.W. The Companion Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1922. Green, Jay. The Interlinear Bible: Hebrew-Greek-English, 4 vols. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1981. (BS3.5 1981) Strong, James. Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Hendrickson Publishers. Thayer, J.H. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. Electronic Database: Bible Soft, Inc. 2000, 2003. Vines. Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. s.v. "foundation." Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1985.