καταστρέφω
katastrephō
to overturn
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredAccording to the Greek lexicon data, the word καταστρέφω (katastrephō) means "to overturn." This action implies a turning or conversion from one state or position to another, often implying a change or reversal. The semantic domain of Movement & Travel suggests a dynamic, often physical movement involved in this action. Given the definition, the word's usage seems to focus on significant, often dramatic changes or reversals. It is used only twice in the Bible, indicating a limited but specific range of application. This scarcity of occurrences implies that the authors of the texts in which it appears chose this word intentionally to convey particular meaning and emphasis. The significance of katastrephō lies in its implication of transformation, often with a sense of suddenness or dramatic change. Its use highlights the importance of reversal or turning in a particular context, underscoring the transformative potential of certain events or actions.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text
Jesus entered into the temple of God, and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves.
Mark 11:15They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables, and the seats of those who sold the doves.