κατασκάπτω
kataskáptō
G2679 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To dig down, to excavate beneath; by extension, to undermine (literally or figuratively) or demolish; to destroy by digging or laying waste, often with intent to cause structural collapse or ruin.
Semantic Range
to dig beneath, to undermine, to excavate (especially with destructive intent), to break down (walls), to ruin by digging, to destroy (by undermining)
Root / Etymology
From κατα- ('down, against, thoroughly') and σκάπτω ('to dig'). The compound emphasizes the directed or thorough action of digging, commonly beneath something.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, κατασκάπτω is found in contexts of literal digging or undermining physical structures such as walls or buildings, often as a military tactic to weaken fortifications. The sense of deliberate destruction is prominent, typically via excavating the ground beneath a foundation. In the Septuagint, it can describe the destruction of cities or walls (e.g., by besieging forces undermining defenses). In the New Testament, the term is rare but may appear metaphorically for ruin brought about by external action. English translations such as 'dig through,' 'break down,' or 'undermine' capture aspects of the meaning but may miss the specific imagery of attacking a structure's foundation. The destruction is not generally by fire or direct attack, but through destabilizing what something stands on.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and σκάπτω; to undermine, i.e. (by implication) destroy:--dig down, ruin.
Root Family
σκάπ- (kataskáptō) — to dig, to excavate
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2679-01 |
κατέσκαψαν | kateskapsan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they-have-torn-down | they undermined | they demolished | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2679-01 |
Romans 11:3 | κατέσκαψαν | kateskapsan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they-have-torn-down | they undermined | they demolished |