κατακλάω

The Greek word κατακλάω (kataklaō) is a verb that means "to break." This physical action can be applied to various contexts, such as breaking objects, bones, or even a person's spirit. The word's meaning is straightforward and does not imply any additional connotations beyond its literal definition. In the Bible, κατακλάω is used only twice, indicating that it is a relatively rare word in the Greek New Testament. Its limited occurrences suggest that it may be used in specific situations where the emphasis is on the physical act of breaking, rather than more common verbs like "to shatter" or "to destroy." The significance of κατακλάω lies in its ability to convey a sense of sudden and often violent breaking, which can have profound consequences. In the contexts where it is used, κατακλάω highlights the intensity and finality of the breaking action, making it a powerful and evocative word in the biblical narrative.