Heresy is from the Greek word hairesis which denotes (a) “a choosing, choice” (from haireomai, “to choose“); then, “that which is chosen,” and hence, “an opinion,” especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects, Galatians 5:20 (marg., “parties“); such erroneous opinions are frequently the outcome of personal preference or the prospect of advantage; see II Peter 2:1.*

 *W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – Copyright 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN