Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context:The term "concision" is derived from the Greek word "katatomē," which appears in the New Testament. It is used in a derogatory sense to refer to those who advocate for circumcision as a requirement for salvation, particularly within the early Christian community. The term is notably used by the Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Philippians. Biblical Reference: The primary reference to "concision" is found in Philippians 3:2, where Paul warns the believers in Philippi: "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" . Here, "mutilators of the flesh" is translated from "katatomē," which is rendered as "concision" in some translations. Paul uses this term to describe Judaizers who insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity must undergo circumcision according to Jewish law. Theological Significance: In the context of Philippians 3, Paul contrasts "concision" with the true "circumcision" of the heart, which is spiritual rather than physical. He emphasizes that true believers worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus, placing no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). This distinction underscores the New Testament teaching that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by adherence to the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law. Historical Context: The issue of circumcision and adherence to the Jewish law was a significant point of contention in the early church, particularly as the gospel spread to Gentile populations. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed this issue, ultimately deciding that Gentile believers were not required to be circumcised or to follow the entirety of the Jewish law. Paul's use of "concision" reflects his strong opposition to any teaching that would add legalistic requirements to the gospel of grace. Paul's Argument Against Legalism: Paul's use of the term "concision" is part of his broader argument against legalism and the imposition of Jewish customs on Gentile believers. In Galatians 5:2-4 , Paul warns that if believers accept circumcision as necessary for salvation, they are obligated to keep the whole law and are severed from Christ, falling away from grace. This highlights the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. Spiritual Application: The warning against "concision" serves as a reminder to Christians to guard against any form of legalism that detracts from the gospel's simplicity and purity. Believers are called to live by faith, relying on the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ, rather than on human efforts or rituals. This teaching encourages a focus on the inward transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit, rather than external conformity to religious practices. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Gr. katatome; i.e., "mutilation"), a term used by Paul contemptuously of those who were zealots for circumcision (Philippians 3:2). Instead of the warning, "Beware of the circumcision" (peritome) i.e., of the party who pressed on Gentile converts the necessity of still observing that ordinance, he says, "Beware of the concision;" as much as to say, "This circumcision which they vaunt of is in Christ only as the gashings and mutilations of idolatrous heathen." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A cutting off; a division; a schism; a faction.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CONCISIONkon-sizh'-un (katatome, "mutilation," "cutting"): A term by which Paul contemptuously designates the merely fleshly circumcision upon which the Judaizers insisted as being necessary for Gentileconverts (Philippians 3:2), as distinguished from peritome, the true circumcision (Philippians 3:3). Compare Galatians 5:12 and Deuteronomy 23:1, and see CIRCUMCISION. Greek 2699. katatome -- concision, mutilation ... concision, mutilation. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: katatome Phonetic Spelling: (kat-at-om-ay') Short Definition: a mutilation, spoiling ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2699.htm - 6k Library Philippians iii. 3-Jan From the Creation to the Fall. The Power of Christ's Resurrection Finally, Hear Paul as He Speaks Boldly, and Mark How Clearly He ... The Blasphemy of These Heretics is Worse than the Jewish Unbelief. The Epistle to the Philippians. Nature of Human Righteousness and Perfection. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. The Holy Spirit, as Well as the Father and the Son... Holy Raiment of One's Own Weaving. Thesaurus Concision (1 Occurrence)... peritome) ie, of the party who pressed on Gentile converts the necessity of still observing that ordinance, he says, "Beware of the concision;" as much as to ... /c/concision.htm - 8k Cutting (178 Occurrences) Conclude (1 Occurrence) Off (5363 Occurrences) Foreskin (12 Occurrences) Evil-workers (1 Occurrence) Decision (174 Occurrences) Member (20 Occurrences) Concisely (1 Occurrence) Cut (616 Occurrences) Resources Concision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Concision (1 Occurrence)Philippians 3:2 Subtopics Concision: A Term for "Over-Zealous" Circumcision Related Terms |
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