Greek · G139 · unreviewed

αἵρεσις

Sect

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αἵρεσις G139
Pronunciation haíresis

What does αἵρεσις (haíresis) mean in the Bible?

αἵρεσις (haíresis) is a Greek word meaning "sect". αἵρεσις, -εως, ἡ (αἱρέω, -ομαι), [in LXX for נְדָבָה,] __1. Labels Christianity as a divisive movement.

Full entry for αἵρεσις (G139) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

sect
Extended definition

A chosen opinion or doctrine; a sect formed by those holding distinctive beliefs or principles.

(αἱρέω, -ομαι), [in LXX for נְדָבָה,]

1capture.
2choosing, choice (see MM, VGT, see word).
3that which is chosen, hence, opinion; esp. a peculiar opinion, heresy: 1Co.11:19, Gal.5:20, 2Pe.2:1 R, txt.
4In late writers (MM, VGT), of a set of persons professing particular principles or opinions, a school, sect, party, faction: Act.5:17 15:5 24:5,14 26:5 28:22, I Co, Ga, II Pe, l.with, R, mg. (Cremer, 614).
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Why This Word Matters
Labels Christianity as a divisive movement. Acts 24:1-9
Reflects how Christianity was perceived among Jewish communities. Acts 28:17-22
Grammatical Forms

How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.

Nominative · Singular · Feminine Acts 5:17
Nominative · Plural · Feminine Gal 5:20
Genitive · Singular · Feminine Acts 15:5 · Acts 24:5 · Acts 28:22
Accusative · Singular · Feminine Acts 24:14 · Acts 26:5
Accusative · Plural · Feminine 1 Cor 11:19 · 2 Pet 2:1
Biblical Occurrences

Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.

Appears In

Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources