I N D E X
14
Here, those who were chosen in Christ were looked upon as being so closely identified with Him that the same
terms are used. No wonder that as we proceed, we read of further identification with the Beloved, that not only
speaks of being `crucified together with Christ' and `raised together' as in the early ministry of Paul, but `seated
together' and ultimately to be manifested together with Him in glory in the epistles of the Mystery.
These two sets of terms `before' and `since' indicate two distinct time periods. Further studies will show that
`before' or `since' the age times is a somewhat similar set of terms, but before these can be allied we must arrive at
some understanding of the meaning of the word `foundation'.
Now, happily, we have a New Testament quotation in Hebrews 1:10, where the word `foundation' is expressed
by the word themelion, but when we turn to any of these passages where the words `before' or `from' the foundation
of the world occur, themelion is not found, but instead the word katabole is employed.
Now it is impossible to argue that Paul, for some peculiar reason, would not and did not employ the word
themelion, for it occurs as the translation of the foundation of a temple in Ephesians 2:20, `the foundation of the
apostles and prophets', and again in 1 Corinthians 3:10 and 2 Timothy 2:19. Therefore, there must be some good
reason for choosing so different a word as katabole. This word has entered into our own language as a biological
term, metabolism, being the name given to the process in an organism or a living cell, by which nutritive material is
built up into living matter and this process is divided into (1) constructive metabolism which is called anabolism, by
which protoplasm is broken down into simpler substances to perform special functions; and (2) destructive
metabolism, which is called katabolism.
In its biological use, katabole indicates `destruction'. It is strange, that if this word means `to place upon a
foundation', it should have been adopted by scientists to indicate the very opposite, namely disruption. Very clear
evidence of the essential meaning of katabole can be gathered from the usage of the verbal form kataballo. This
verb kataballo is used three times in the New Testament:
`Cast down, but not destroyed' (2 Cor. 4:9),
`The accuser of our brethren is cast down' (Rev. 12:10),
indicate very clearly the meaning of the word. The other reference is Hebrews 11:11 where it is translated
`conceive'.
In Hebrews 6:1 the word is used with themelion, the true word for a foundation, but this addition alters the whole
intention, and there it appears to have its primitive meaning `cast down', but whether in the sense of overthrowing,
or of laying a foundation, only a most exhaustive study of the context can decide. Job 12:14 quoted below, has a
bearing.
Kataballo occurs twenty-nine times in the Septuagint version of the Old Testament Scriptures. It will strengthen
the faith of many, and deepen the conviction of most, if these references which contain the word kataballo are
quoted, but to avoid occupying a disproportionate amount of space, verses will not be given in full. We will also
quote from the A.V. instead of giving a translation of the LXX version, except in those cases where the LXX uses
an entirely different text. Those who have access to the LXX will not be hindered by this course and those who
cannot refer to it will be helped.
`Joab battered the wall, to throw it down' (2 Sam. 20:15; LXX 2 Kings).
`Ye (they) shall fell (felled) every good tree' (2 Kings 3:19,25, LXX 4 Kings).
`As one was felling a beam' (2 Kings 6:5; LXX 4 Kings).
`They slew him with a sword' (2 Chron. 32:21).
`Behold He breaketh down, and it cannot be built again' (Job 12:14).
`He teareth me in His wrath' (Job 16:9).
`He breaketh me with breach upon breach' (Job 16:14).
`To cast down the poor and needy' (Psa. 37:14, LXX 36).
`Thou casteth them down into destruction' (Psa. 73:18, LXX 72).
`To overthrow them in the wilderness' (Psa. 106:26,27, LXX 105).
`She hath cast down many wounded' (Prov. 7:26).