Brief Overview of ἀποστρέφω (G654: Apostréphō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apostréphō

Root Words: The term ἀποστρέφω consists of the prefix ἀπό (apó), meaning “away from,” and στρέφω (stréphō), meaning “to turn.” Thus, the compound term conveys the meaning of “turning away” or “turning aside.”

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Primary Meanings:

• To turn away or to turn aside from something.
• To change direction or focus, often implying a withdrawal or redirection.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποστρέφω as “to turn away from,” used in various contexts to indicate a physical or metaphorical turning away or withdrawal from something.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποστρέφω as “to turn away from” or “to turn aside,” particularly highlighting its use in contexts of rejection or deviation.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary mentions ἀποστρέφω as indicating the act of turning away or turning aside from something, emphasizing its usage in both literal and figurative senses.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ provides a definition for ἀποστρέφω as “to turn away” or “to turn aside,” consistent with BDAG’s emphasis on its directional or redirectional use.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀποστρέφω as “to turn away,” noting its application in contexts where something is redirected or avoided.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Herodotus (Histories, 5th century BCE): Herodotus uses terms related to ἀποστρέφω when describing instances of turning away or redirecting efforts or focus in historical narratives.

Thucydides (History of the Peloponnesian War, 5th century BCE): Thucydides employs similar terms to discuss changes in direction or strategy, reflecting the idea of turning aside or away.

Xenophon (Anabasis, 4th century BCE): Xenophon’s accounts include uses of terms for turning or redirecting, relevant to the concept of ἀποστρέφω in describing military maneuvers or strategic decisions.

4. Summary:

ἀποστρέφω (apostréphō) means “to turn away” or “to turn aside,” capturing the act of physical or metaphorical redirection. Its use spans various contexts, from historical accounts to military strategies, illustrating its role in describing shifts in direction or focus. Understanding ἀποστρέφω aids in comprehending the dynamics of turning away or redirecting in both classical and biblical texts.