The Greek word ἀπαλλάσσω (apallassō) primarily means “to release” or “to set free.” It conveys the act of removing or freeing someone from a burden, obligation, or condition. In a broader sense, it can also imply a release from a state of distress or difficulty.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀπαλλάσσω as “to release” or “to set free.” It suggests the act of freeing someone from a constraint or burden. The term is used in various contexts where a person or thing is relieved from a specific condition or obligation.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG describes ἀπαλλάσσω as “to release,” “to set free,” or “to remove.” It provides examples from classical and New Testament Greek where the term is used to denote freeing someone from a particular state, such as a legal obligation or a physical burden. BDAG emphasizes the term’s use in the context of removing something that causes distress or difficulty.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ defines ἀπαλλάσσω as “to release” or “to set free,” focusing on its classical usage. The lexicon includes examples of the term being used to describe the act of freeing someone from a specific condition or obligation, aligning with its general meaning in the New Testament.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s lexicon defines ἀπαλλάσσω as “to release” or “to set free,” with a focus on its New Testament usage. Thayer’s highlights the term’s application in contexts where there is a release from burdens or constraints, including both legal and personal conditions.

In summary, ἀπαλλάσσω (apallassō) means “to release” or “to set free,” referring to the act of removing or alleviating a burden or condition. Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon all confirm that the term is used to describe the freeing of someone from an obligation, burden, or distressing situation.