Brief Overview of ἀποβάλλω (G577)

Meaning and Usage:

• General Definition: The Greek verb ἀποβάλλω (apobállō) generally means “to throw away” or “to cast off.” It involves the action of removing or rejecting something, often with a sense of forcefulness or deliberate disposal.
• Contextual Usage: The term is used to describe the act of discarding or casting aside something that is considered unnecessary, unwanted, or burdensome. It conveys the idea of letting go or getting rid of something, whether physically or metaphorically.

Detailed Overview with Additional Concordances

Etymology and Lexicon References:

1. Strong’s Concordance (G577): Strong’s defines ἀποβάλλω as “to throw away” or “to cast off.” It suggests the removal or rejection of something, highlighting the forceful or intentional nature of the action.
2. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: Thayer’s explains ἀποβάλλω as meaning “to throw off” or “to cast away.” It is used to describe the action of getting rid of something that is considered to be of no use or of negative value.
3. BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποβάλλω as “to throw away” or “to get rid of.” It emphasizes the act of discarding or removing something, often with a focus on the intention behind the action.
4. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ describes ἀποβάλλω as meaning “to throw off” or “to cast away.” It is used to indicate the act of discarding or rejecting something, often involving a sense of abandonment or dismissal.

Biblical Context:

• Usage in Scripture: In the New Testament, ἀποβάλλω is used in contexts where individuals are instructed to cast off or reject certain behaviors, attitudes, or elements of their lives. For example, in Acts 27:19, it describes the action of throwing cargo overboard to lighten a ship during a storm. In a metaphorical sense, the term is also used to describe the removal of sinful behaviors or characteristics (e.g., Ephesians 4:22, Colossians 3:8).

In summary, ἀποβάλλω (G577) is a Greek verb meaning “to throw away” or “to cast off.” It involves the action of discarding or removing something that is deemed unnecessary or undesirable. Greek lexicons and biblical texts illustrate its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts, emphasizing the intentional and forceful nature of the act of removal or rejection.