Brief Overview of ἀπέχει (G566)

Meaning and Usage:

• General Definition: The Greek verb ἀπέχει (apéchei) is derived from the prefix ἀπό (apó, “from”) and the root ἔχω (échō, “to have”). The term generally means “to be distant” or “to be at a distance.” It conveys the idea of being separated or distanced from something or someone.
• Contextual Usage: ἀπέχει is used to describe a physical distance, a separation in time, or a metaphorical distance. It can also imply a sense of being removed or detached from a particular state or condition.

Detailed Overview with Additional Concordances

Etymology and Lexicon References:

1. Strong’s Concordance (G566): According to Strong’s, ἀπέχει means “to be distant” or “to be at a distance.” It highlights the term’s use in indicating a separation or distance from something. This can include physical distance or a figurative sense of being removed.
2. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: Thayer’s defines ἀπέχει as “to be distant” or “to be at a distance.” It emphasizes its application in describing physical separation, such as distance in space or time, as well as metaphorical distance or separation.
3. BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG provides a comprehensive definition of ἀπέχει as “to be distant” or “to be at a distance.” It notes that the term can refer to physical space, temporal separation, or metaphorical distance. BDAG also highlights its use in indicating how far one thing is from another, whether in a literal or figurative sense.
4. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ Greek-English Lexicon defines ἀπέχει as “to be distant” or “to be at a distance.” It covers various usages in classical Greek, including physical and metaphorical contexts. The lexicon includes examples of how the term is used to describe separation or distance.

Biblical Context:

• Usage in Scripture: In the New Testament, ἀπέχει appears in passages such as Luke 15:13, where it describes the distance of the prodigal son’s journey from his father. It can also be found in Hebrews 12:1, where it metaphorically describes the separation from sin and obstacles in the pursuit of spiritual goals. The term is used to convey the concept of distance, whether literal or metaphorical.

In summary, ἀπέχει (G566) refers to being “distant” or “at a distance” in various contexts. This term can describe physical separation, temporal distance, or metaphorical detachment. Major Greek lexicons document its usage, highlighting its application in both literal and figurative senses.