Berean Strong's Lexicon hairesis: Sect, faction, heresy Original Word: αἵρεσις Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb αἱρέομαι (haireomai), meaning "to choose" or "to take for oneself." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "hairesis," the concept of division or sect can be related to terms like מַחֲלֹקֶת (machloqeth), meaning "division" or "dispute," as seen in Numbers 16:1-3 regarding Korah's rebellion. Usage: In the New Testament, "hairesis" primarily refers to a group or faction that arises from a division or choice, often implying a departure from established doctrine or practice. It can denote a sect or party within a larger religious context, sometimes with a negative connotation of causing division or promoting false teachings. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, "hairesis" was used to describe philosophical schools or sects, such as the Stoics or Epicureans, which were groups formed around particular teachings or beliefs. In the Jewish context, it could refer to different sects like the Pharisees or Sadducees. In early Christianity, the term began to take on a more negative connotation, referring to groups that deviated from apostolic teaching and caused division within the church. HELPS Word-studies 139 haíresis (a feminine noun derived from 138 /hairéomai, "personally select, choose") – properly, a personal (decisive) choice. 139 /haíresis ("a strong, distinctive opinion") is used in the NT of individual "parties (sects)" that operated within Judaism. The term stresses the personal aspect of choice – and hence how being a Sadducee (Ac 5:17) was sharply distinguished from being a Pharisee (Ac 15:5; 26:5). [As a feminine noun, 139 (haíresis) highlights the subjective (individual) nature of a specific (divisive) opinion.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom haireó Definition choice, opinion NASB Translation factions (2), heresies (1), sect (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 139: αἵρεσιςαἵρεσις, (εως, ἡ; 1. (from αἱρέω), act of taking, capture: τῆς πόλεως, the storming of a city; in secular authors. 2. (from ἁιρέομαι), choosing, choice, very often in secular writings: the Sept. Leviticus 22:18; 1 Macc. 8:30. 3. that which is chosen, a chosen course of thought and action; hence one's chosen opinion, tenet; according to the context, an opinion varying from the true exposition of the Christian faith (heresy): 2 Peter 2:1 (cf. DeWette at the passage), and in ecclesiastical writings (cf. Sophocles' Lexicon, under the word). 4. a body of men separating themselves from others and following their own tenets (a sect or party): as the Sadducees, Acts 5:17; the Pharisees, Acts 15:5; Acts 26:5; the Christians, Acts 24:5, 14 (in both instances with a suggestion of reproach); 5. dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims: Galatians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 11:19. (Cf. Meyer, at the passages cited; B. D. American edition under the word From haireomai; properly, a choice, i.e. (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion -- heresy (which is the Greek word itself), sect. see GREEK haireomai Englishman's Concordance Acts 5:17 N-NFSGRK: ἡ οὖσα αἵρεσις τῶν Σαδδουκαίων NAS: his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), KJV: is the sect of the Sadducees,) INT: which is [the] sect of the Sadducees Acts 15:5 N-GFS Acts 24:5 N-GFS Acts 24:14 N-AFS Acts 26:5 N-AFS Acts 28:22 N-GFS 1 Corinthians 11:19 N-NFP Galatians 5:20 N-NFP 2 Peter 2:1 N-AFP Strong's Greek 139 |
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