Understanding ἀπέρχομαι (aperchomai) Strong’s G565: The Profound Journey of Departing and Following God’s Path in Faith

Pronunciation Guide: ap-ERR-khom-ahee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G565: A rich verb meaning “to go away, depart from,” expressing intentional movement away from one place or state toward another. This word carries deep implications of purposeful separation, whether physical or spiritual, and often implies following a divine calling or command. The word emphasizes both the act of leaving behind and moving toward something new.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (apo, “from, away from”) + ἔρχομαι (erchomai, “to come, go”)
• Primarily used in narrative passages and teachings about discipleship
• Middle/passive deponent verb (active in meaning though middle/passive in form)
• Common in both classical and Koine Greek literature

ἀπέρχομαι Morphology:

• ἀπέρχομαι (present indicative) – I go away/depart
• ἀπῆλθον (aorist indicative) – I went away/departed
• ἀπελεύσομαι (future indicative) – I will go away/depart
• ἀπελθεῖν (aorist infinitive) – to go away/depart
• ἀπελθών (aorist participle) – having gone away/departed

Origin & History

The compound verb ἀπέρχομαι emerged in classical Greek literature as a precise way to describe deliberate separation or departure. In Herodotus’ “Histories,” it frequently describes armies departing from battle scenes or messengers leaving with important news. The Septuagint (LXX) adopted this term to translate Hebrew verbs of departure, particularly הָלַךְ (halakh) and סוּר (sur), infusing it with additional theological significance.

The word gained special prominence in Hellenistic Jewish literature, where it often carried implications of spiritual journeying. Philo of Alexandria, in his work “On the Migration of Abraham,” uses ἀπέρχομαι to describe Abraham’s physical and spiritual departure from Ur, viewing it as a metaphor for the soul’s journey toward divine truth.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Physical departure from a location
• Spiritual withdrawal or separation
• Following a divine calling or command
• Transitioning from one state to another
• Permanent departure (especially in death contexts)

ἀπέρχομαι Translation Options:

• “to go away” – emphasizes the basic act of departure
• “to depart” – suggests more formal or final separation
• “to follow after” – particularly in discipleship contexts
• “to withdraw” – emphasizes intentional separation
• “to leave behind” – stresses what is being abandoned

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀπέρχομαι appears frequently in narratives of discipleship and divine calling. Its first appearance in Matthew 2:22 sets a pattern of divine guidance in movement, as Joseph departs for Galilee in response to heavenly warning. The word often carries profound theological significance, especially in passages about following the Messiah.

The word appears in several pivotal moments of scripture, particularly in discipleship contexts where individuals must choose between following Yeshua or departing from Him. This tension is powerfully illustrated in the rich young ruler narrative and in Yeshua’s teachings about counting the cost of discipleship.

• “Matthew 2:22 – But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there [ἀπελθεῖν].”
• “Mark 10:22 – But at these words he was saddened, and he went away [ἀπῆλθεν] grieving.”
• “John 6:66 – As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew [ἀπῆλθον] and were not walking with Him anymore.”
• “Matthew 25:46 – These will go away [ἀπελεύσονται] into eternal punishment.”
• “Luke 5:13 – And immediately the leprosy left [ἀπῆλθεν] him.”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of “going away” or “departing” often carried deep spiritual significance, particularly in relation to the exodus narrative and Abraham’s departure from Ur. The Hebrew mindset viewed physical journeys as external manifestations of internal spiritual movements. This understanding illuminates why ἀπέρχομαι was chosen by New Testament writers to describe both physical departures and spiritual transformations.

The word also relates to the rabbinic concept of הליכה (halikhah), which describes both physical walking and walking in God’s ways. This dual meaning helps explain why ἀπέρχομαι often appears in contexts where physical movement parallels spiritual transformation.

Theological Significance

ἀπέρχομαι embodies a fundamental spiritual principle: authentic following of God often requires leaving something behind. This mirrors the pattern established in God’s call to Abraham to leave his father’s house and country. The word appears at crucial moments of decision in the Gospels, highlighting the cost and commitment of discipleship.

The term’s usage in John 6:66 presents a sobering reality of discipleship – some who initially follow may later depart. This creates a powerful theological tension between the call to follow and the human capacity to turn away, emphasizing the necessity of divine grace in perseverance.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἀπέρχομαι in Scripture, we’re invited to examine our own journey of faith. What are we willing to leave behind to follow the Messiah? The word challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and the reality that following Yeshua often requires departing from old ways, relationships, or priorities that hinder our spiritual growth.

This word also reminds us that every departure in faith should be toward something greater – primarily toward deeper communion with God. Just as Joseph’s departure to Egypt preserved the Messiah’s life, our acts of faithful departure, though sometimes painful, may be part of God’s larger redemptive plan.

Related Words

• πορεύομαι (poreuomai) – to go, proceed, travel – Similar in basic meaning but lacks the specific emphasis on departure and separation See G4198
• ἀναχωρέω (anachōreō) – to withdraw, retire – Emphasizes retreat or withdrawal, often for safety or strategic reasons See G402
• ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai) – to go out, come out – Focuses on the point of exit rather than the journey away See G1831
• χωρίζω (chōrizō) – to separate, divide – Related to the concept of departure but emphasizes the separation itself See G5563

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀπό in ἀπέρχομαι is the same prefix found in the word “apostle” (ἀπόστολος), linking the concepts of being sent away and departing on a divine mission.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀπέρχομαι in formal contexts to mean “to pass away,” preserving its ancient connotation of final departure.
• In Byzantine Greek texts, ἀπέρχομαι became a technical term for monks departing from communal life to pursue solitary spiritual disciplines, showing how the word maintained its spiritual significance throughout Christian history.

Remember This

ἀπέρχομαι reminds us that every significant spiritual journey begins with a departure – leaving behind what holds us back to follow God’s calling forward.