Brief Overview of ἀποσπάω (G645: Apóspao)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apóspao

Root Words: The term ἀποσπάω (apóspao) is derived from the prefix ἀπό (apó), meaning “from” or “away,” and the verb σπάω (spáō), which means “to pull” or “to drag.”

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Primary Meanings:

• To pull away or to draw something from a place or position.
• To detach or remove something by pulling.
• To seize or take away forcefully.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποσπάω as “to pull away” or “to withdraw.” It focuses on the action of drawing or pulling something away from a particular location or situation.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποσπάω as “to pull away” or “to drag off,” indicating a forceful action of removing or detaching something from its place.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary defines ἀποσπάω as “to draw away” or “to withdraw,” emphasizing the act of pulling something away from its position or place.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ describes ἀποσπάω as “to pull away” or “to drag off,” focusing on its use in physical and metaphorical contexts where something is forcibly removed.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀποσπάω as “to draw away” or “to pull off,” reflecting its basic meaning of removing or detaching something.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Homer (Iliad, 8th century BCE): Homer uses ἀποσπάω to describe the action of pulling or dragging objects or individuals, often in the context of battle or physical struggle.

Herodotus (Histories, 5th century BCE): Herodotus employs ἀποσπάω to refer to the act of withdrawing or removing something from its place, such as pulling away a part of a structure or detaching a piece of equipment.

Euripides (Medea, 5th century BCE): Euripides uses ἀποσπάω metaphorically to describe the act of forcibly taking away or removing someone or something from a situation, often to convey dramatic or emotional force.

4. Summary:

ἀποσπάω (apóspao) primarily means “to pull away” or “to draw off,” involving the action of removing or detaching something by pulling or dragging. It can denote both literal physical actions and metaphorical uses, such as withdrawing or taking away forcefully. Classic Greek literature illustrates its use in contexts of physical struggle, detachment, and dramatic removal, highlighting its versatile application in both tangible and figurative senses. Understanding ἀποσπάω enriches comprehension of how forceful removal or detachment is portrayed in ancient Greek texts.