The meaning of “αἵρεσις”
Understanding haíresis reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
heresy (which is the Greek word itself), sect. - properly, a choice, i.e. (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion
αἵρεσις
heresy (which is the Greek word itself), sect. - properly, a choice, i.e. (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 24:14 | “But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:” Word: αἵρεσις (haíresis) | |
| 1 Corinthians 11:19 | “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” Word: αἵρεσις (haíresis) | |
| Galatians 5:20 | “Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,” Word: αἵρεσις (haíresis) | |
| 2 Peter 2:1 | “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” Word: αἵρεσις (haíresis) |