Brief Overview of ἀποστασία (G646: Apostasía)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apostasía

Root Words: The term ἀποστασία (apostasía) derives from the prefix ἀπό (apó), meaning “from” or “away,” and στάσις (stásis), which means “standing” or “position.”

Primary Meanings:

• Defection or revolt, particularly in a political or religious context.
• A state of standing away or a separation from a previously held position or belief.
• Rebellion or dissension, especially involving a departure from an established order.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποστασία as “rebellion” or “defection.” It refers to a withdrawal or separation, often in the context of political or religious revolt, where individuals or groups depart from an established authority or belief system.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποστασία as “defection” or “rebellion,” focusing on the act of withdrawing or standing apart from a previously accepted position, particularly in religious or political contexts.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary interprets ἀποστασία as “a standing away from” or “a rebellion.” It emphasizes the concept of a departure from established norms or authority, often involving an organized revolt.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ describes ἀποστασία as “a revolt” or “a defection,” denoting a formal or organized departure from a previously accepted position or system.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀποστασία as “a revolt” or “defection,” reflecting its basic meaning of a separation or withdrawal from a previously held belief or authority.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

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Thucydides (History of the Peloponnesian War, 5th century BCE): Thucydides uses ἀποστασία to describe political revolts or defections, illustrating its application in the context of shifts in allegiance during the Peloponnesian War.

Plato (Republic, 4th century BCE): Plato employs ἀποστασία to discuss philosophical or political defection, referring to individuals or groups who withdraw from established ideologies or societal norms.

Aristotle (Politics, 4th century BCE): Aristotle uses ἀποστασία in the context of political theory to describe acts of rebellion or defection from established governments or political systems.

4. Summary:

ἀποστασία (apostasía) primarily means “defection” or “revolt,” involving the act of standing away from or withdrawing from a previously held position or authority. It denotes a formal or organized rebellion, particularly in political or religious contexts. Classic Greek literature illustrates its use in describing political shifts, philosophical departures, and societal revolts, highlighting its application in contexts of rebellion and separation from established norms or authority. Understanding ἀποστασία enriches comprehension of defection and rebellion in both historical and literary contexts.