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αἱρετικός

hairetikós

G141 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Inclined to choose or make a choice; disposed to pursue or promote a particular opinion or sect. In context, designates a person characterized by self-willed opinion that leads to division or formation of a sect, often in opposition to accepted communal beliefs or practices. In later usage, came to mean a person who forms or follows a faction, especially in matters of doctrine or practice.

Semantic Range

inclined to choose; disposed to form or follow a sect; one who fosters division; factional; sectarian; later, a heretic

Root / Etymology

From the root αἱρετ-, related to αἱρέω ('to take, to choose'). The suffix -ικός forms adjectives meaning 'pertaining to' or 'characteristic of.' Thus, αἱρετικός literally means 'pertaining to choice' or 'disposed to choose.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In earlier Greek, αἱρετικός simply indicated one inclined to make choices or to form parties, lacking a strictly negative connotation. By the Hellenistic period and in the New Testament (e.g. Titus 3:10), the term came to describe someone who promotes division by adhering to or creating a sectarian point of view, distinct from the unity of the broader community. The adjective αἱρετικός is related to the noun αἵρεσις, which referred to a self-chosen belief system, group, or party. Over time, in post-New Testament Christian literature, the term developed the strongly negative sense of 'heretic,' but in the New Testament context, it most directly refers to an individual who fosters division by pursuing distinct sectarian choices rather than conforming to established communal teaching. English translations such as 'heretic' may impose later theological nuance not present in the term's first-century usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as αἱρετίζω; a schismatic:--heretic (the Greek word itself).

Root Family

αἱρετικός (hairetikos) — to choose, to select; disposed to form or follow a sect; factional

Root αἱρετ- to choose, to select

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G141-01 αἱρετικὸν airetikon ADJ.A ACC M SG a divisive person sectarian man sectarian man 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G141-01 Titus 3:10 αἱρετικὸν airetikon ADJ.A ACC M SG a divisive person sectarian man sectarian man
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