Heresy (from Greek αἵρεσις, which originally meant "choice", also referred to that process whereby a young person would examine various philosophies to determine how to live one's life) was redefined by the Catholic Church as a belief that conflicted with established Catholic dogma. Eventually it took on the meaning of an accusation levied against members of another group which has beliefs that conflict with those of the accusers. It is usually used to discuss violations of religious or traditional laws or codes, although it is used by some political extremists to refer to their opponents. It carries the connotation of behaviours or beliefs likely to undermine accepted morality and cause tangible evils, damnation, or other punishment. In some religions, it also implies that the heretic is in alliance with the religion's symbol of evil, such as Satan or chaos.
(Acts 5:17) Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
(Acts 15:5) But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
(Acts 24:5) For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
(Acts 24:14) But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
(Acts 26:5) Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
(Acts 28:22) But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
αἵρεσις
hairesis
Thayer Definition:
1) act of taking, capture: e.g. storming a city
2) choosing, choice
3) that which is chosen
4) a body of men following their own tenets (sect or party)
4a) of the Sadducees
4b) of the Pharisees
4c) of the Christians
5) dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer's/Strong's Number: from G138
Citing in TDNT: 1:180, 27
αἵρεσις
haíresis; gen. hairéseōs, fem. noun from hairéō (G138), to choose, select. Heresy, a form of religious worship, discipline, or opinion (Act 5:17; Act 15:5; Act 24:5, Act 24:14; Act 26:5; Act 28:22; 1Co 11:19; Gal 5:20; 2Pe 2:1).
In contrast to schísma (G4978), schism which is an actual tearing apart, haíresis may represent a divergent opinion but still be part of a whole. One can hold different views than the majority and remain in the same body, but he is a heretic (hairetikós [G141]). However, when he tears himself away (schízō [G4977]), then he is schismatic. Heresy may lead to schism which is when actual tearing off and separation occur.
G138
αἱρέω
hairéō; fut. hairḗsomai, 2d aor. heilómēn. To take. In the NT, only in the mid. hairéomai, to take for oneself, i.e., to choose, elect, prefer (Php 1:22; 2Th 2:13; Heb 11:25; Sept.: 2Sa 15:15; Job 34:4).
Deriv.: haíresis (G139), heresy; hairetízō (G140), to choose, akin to hairetós, that which may be taken; hairetikós (G141), heretic; anairéō (G337), to take up or away, abolish; authaíretos (G830), of one's own accord; aphairéō (G851), to take away; diairéō (G1244), to separate, divide, distribute; exairéō (G1807), to tear out, in the mid. to select, figuratively to release, deliver, pluck out, rescue; kathairéō (G2507), to take down; periairéō (G4014), to take away that which surrounds; proairéomai (G4255), prefer, propose, intend, purpose.
Syn.: eklégomai (G1586), to choose out, elect; epilégomai (G1951), to be called or named.
Ant.: apodokimázō (G593), to reject after investigation; athetéō (G114), to do away with; paraitéomai (G3868), to resign, ask to be excused.
