expressed by the word themelioo, but when we turn to any of the passages where

the words `before' or `from' the foundation of the world occur, themelios is not

found, but instead the word katabole is employed.

It is impossible to argue that Paul, for some peculiar reason, would not

and did not employ the word themelios, 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

constructive metabolism which is called anabolism, by which

protoplasm is broken down into simpler substances to perform special

functions; and

destructive metabolism, which is called katabolism.

In its biological use, katabole indicates `destruction'.  It is strange,

that a word which means `to place upon a foundation', 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

`Cast down, but not destroyed' (2 Cor. 4:9),

`The accuser of our brethren is cast down' (Rev. 12:10 in the Received

indicate very clearly the meaning of the word.

In Hebrews 6:1 the word is used with themelion, the true word for a

foundation, 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

Kataballo occurs some thirty 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.

2 Sam. 20:15

`Joab battered the wall, to throw it down'

(LXX 2 Kings).

2

`Ye ... shall fell every good tree' (LXX 4 Kings).

2

`They ... felled all the good trees' (LXX 4 Kings).

2

`As one was felling a beam' (LXX 4 Kings).

2

`I will cause him to fall by the sword'

(LXX 4 Kings).