"to cleanse from filth; to clear by pruning, prune, Jn. 15:2; met. to cleanse from sin, make expiation"
Definition and meaning
to cleanse from filth; to clear by pruning, prune, Jn. 15:2; met. to cleanse from sin, make expiation
In the original Greek the word is written: καθαίρω
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of kathairo (G2508) across the King James Bible.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
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Common questions
Strong's G2508 (kathairo) is a Greek word that means: to cleanse from filth; to clear by pruning, prune, Jn. 15:2; met. to cleanse from sin, make expiation It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word kathairo (G2508) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2508 is kathairo, a Greek word defined as: to cleanse from filth; to clear by pruning, prune, Jn. 15:2; met. to cleanse from sin, make expiation. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
kathairo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.