Brief Overview of ἀπαλλοτριόω (Strong’s G526)

The Greek word ἀπαλλοτριόω (apallotriōō) generally means “to estrange” or “to alienate.” It refers to the process of making someone or something foreign or removed from a certain group, relationship, or state. In biblical contexts, it often involves the idea of separation or disconnection from a particular status or condition.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀπαλλοτριόω as “to estrange” or “to alienate,” indicating a separation from one’s previous position or relationship. This is consistent with its usage in the New Testament, where it describes being removed or distanced from a particular group or state.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG describes ἀπαλλοτριόω as “to alienate” or “to separate,” specifically referring to being estranged or removed from one’s former status or condition. BDAG provides examples of its usage in contexts where individuals or groups are made foreign to a previous relationship or situation. The lexicon also notes its usage in Pauline epistles to signify a theological separation or estrangement from God due to sin.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ defines ἀπαλλοτριόω as “to alienate” or “to estrange,” focusing on its classical and Hellenistic usage. The lexicon illustrates how the term can describe the act of making something foreign or removing it from its original context, aligning with its broader usage in Greek literature and the New Testament.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s defines ἀπαλλοτριόω as “to alienate” or “to estrange,” particularly in relation to being separated from a former state or relationship. Thayer’s highlights its New Testament usage to describe spiritual estrangement or separation from God due to sin or disobedience.

In summary, ἀπαλλοτριόω (apallotriōō) means “to estrange” or “to alienate,” referring to the act of making someone or something foreign or separated from a particular group or condition. Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon all confirm its use in describing estrangement or separation, particularly in theological contexts where individuals are distanced from their former status or relationship with God.