καταστροφή (G2692) — Greek Lexicon

καταστροφή

katastrophḗ

G2692 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A turning upside down, overturning, or destruction; in a figurative sense, the act of subverting or causing ruin, whether of a city, institution, or one's faith. In literary and historical texts, the term often denotes violent or total destruction (as of a city) or, more generally, a radical reversal of condition or destiny.

Semantic Range

overturning, destruction, ruin, overthrow (of cities or institutions), subversion, dramatic reversal of fortune, apostasy

Root / Etymology

From the verb καταστρέφω (katastréphō: 'to turn down, overturn, overthrow') formed by prefixing κατά- ('down, against, thoroughly') to στρέφω ('to turn'). The noun is a direct nominalization with the feminine suffix -ή.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek (5th century BCE onwards), καταστροφή most often referred to a literal overturning or destruction, especially of cities through war, siege, or disaster. It was also used rhetorically for a dramatic reversal of fortune in narrative or drama (cf. Aristophanes, Euripides). In Hellenistic and Koine usage, notably in the Septuagint (e.g., Genesis 19:29 for the 'overthrow' of Sodom and Gomorrah), it retains its sense of total destruction or devastation. In the New Testament (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:14), the usage broadens to include a metaphorical sense: destructive or ruinous influence, especially regarding faith or the community. English translation often defaults to 'overthrow' or 'ruin', but this can obscure the dramatic or total character implied by the Greek. Translators sometimes use 'catastrophe' in literary contexts, though 'subversion' or 'destruction' might better convey the original nuance. The semantic range in Koine sources illustrates a progression from concrete destruction toward abstract or figurative senses of ruin—especially in philosophical, rhetorical, and early Christian texts. Related compounds and synonyms include ἀνατροπή ('overthrow, subversion'), but καταστροφή emphasizes the downward or total aspect of the reversal. Its later English derivative 'catastrophe' retains only part of its ancient range.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from καταστρέφω; an overturn ("catastrophe"), i.e. demolition; figuratively, apostasy:--overthrow, subverting.

Root Family

καταστροφή (katastrophē) — overturning, overthrow, destruction, ruin, subversion

Root στρέφ- to turn, to overturn

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2692-01`	καταστροφῇ	katastrophe	`N DAT F SG`	by overthrow	by overthrow	by overthrow	2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2692-01`	2 Timothy 2:14	καταστροφῇ	katastrophe	`N DAT F SG`	ruin	by overthrow	ruin
`G2692-01`	2 Peter 2:6	καταστροφῇ	katastrophe	`N DAT F SG`	by overthrow	by overthrow	by overthrow

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