Heresy
αἵρεσις (hairesis)
A chosen opinion or faction — a departure from orthodox teaching.
Hairesis originally meant 'choice' or 'faction' and came to denote beliefs or teachings that deviate from established Christian doctrine, threatening the unity and truth of the faith.
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." — 2 Peter 2:1 (KJV)
Key Verses
2 Peter 2:1
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”Read in context
Galatians 5:20
“Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies.”Read in context
Etymology and Origin
Hairesis comes from haireō (to choose or take). Originally neutral — simply meaning a chosen school of thought or party — it acquired negative connotations as the early church defined its core beliefs. A heresy became a willful departure from the apostolic faith, a 'choosing' of error over truth.
Theological Significance
The New Testament warns repeatedly against false teaching that distorts the gospel. Heresies are dangerous not merely as intellectual errors but as threats to salvation and community. The early church's response to heresies (Gnosticism, Arianism, Docetism) produced the great creeds and councils that clarified Christian orthodoxy.
Practical Application
Recognizing heresy requires knowing orthodoxy. Believers are called to study Scripture carefully, hold to the historic faith, and gently correct error. The goal is not to be suspicious of every new idea but to be grounded enough in truth to recognize dangerous departures from it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is heresy in Christianity?
Heresy is a belief or teaching that contradicts the established, essential doctrines of the Christian faith, such as the deity of Christ, the Trinity, or salvation by grace through faith.
What are examples of early heresies?
Major early heresies include Arianism (denying Christ's full divinity), Gnosticism (rejecting the material world), Docetism (denying Christ's true humanity), and Pelagianism (denying original sin and the necessity of grace).
What does "Heresy" mean in the Bible?
A chosen opinion or faction — a departure from orthodox teaching. The underlying Greek word is αἵρεσις (hairesis) ("HAI-reh-sis"). Hairesis originally meant 'choice' or 'faction' and came to denote beliefs or teachings that deviate from established Christian doctrine, threatening the unity and truth of the faith.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Heresy"?
2 Peter 2:1 — "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction" (KJV). It also appears in Galatians 5:20, Titus 3:10.
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