Understanding ἀπέχω (apechō) Strong’s G568: The Powerful Greek Word Revealing Complete Fulfillment and Divine Reward

Pronunciation Guide: ap-ekh’-o (ah-PEH-kho)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G568: ἀπέχω (apechō) fundamentally means “to have in full” or “to receive in full,” with extended meanings of “to be distant from” or “to abstain from.” This versatile verb carries the profound sense of complete reception or fulfillment, particularly in contexts of receiving payment or reward. In its spatial sense, it describes physical or moral distance, emphasizing complete separation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Compound word from ἀπό (from) + ἔχω (to have/hold)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Frequently appears in financial and ethical contexts
• Common in both classical and Koine Greek literature

ἀπέχω Morphology:

• ἀπέχω (present active indicative) – I have received/I am distant
• ἀπέχει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it has received/is distant
• ἀπέχουσιν (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they have received/are distant
• ἀπέχειν (present active infinitive) – to receive in full/to be distant
• ἀπέχεσθαι (present middle infinitive) – to abstain/keep oneself from

Origin & History

The compound verb ἀπέχω emerged from the combination of the preposition ἀπό (indicating separation or completion) and the verb ἔχω (to have/hold). In classical Greek literature, Herodotus (Histories, 6.119) employed it to describe physical distance, while Demosthenes (Against Pantaenetus, 37.10) used it in financial contexts for receiving full payment.

The Septuagint translators adopted ἀπέχω to render Hebrew concepts of both physical distance and moral separation. This dual usage influenced its New Testament applications, where it acquired additional nuances in contexts of divine reward and moral conduct.

In early Christian literature, the Church Father Chrysostom (Homilies on Matthew, 19.2) notably expounds on its usage in Matthew 6:2, emphasizing the completeness of worldly reward contrasted with eternal divine compensation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To receive in full (especially payment or reward)
• To be distant or separated from (physically or morally)
• To hold oneself back from, abstain
• To have enough, be satisfied with

ἀπέχω Translation Options:

• “Have received in full” – Best for contexts involving complete payment or reward
• “Keep away from” – Appropriate for moral or physical separation contexts
• “Abstain from” – Ideal for ethical instructions and commands
• “Be distant” – Suitable for geographical or spatial references
• “Have enough” – Fitting for contexts of satisfaction or sufficiency

Biblical Usage

The New Testament employs ἀπέχω with remarkable precision across different contexts. Its first appearance in Matthew 6:2 sets a profound theological tone, where Yeshua warns that those seeking human recognition for their charitable acts “have received their reward in full” [ἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν].

In financial contexts, ἀπέχω appears in Philemon 1:15 as a technical term for receiving payment, while in moral contexts, it features in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 as an instruction to abstain from immorality.

Key Biblical References:

• “They have their reward in full” [ἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν] – Matthew 6:2
• “Abstain from every form of evil” [ἀπέχεσθε] – 1 Thessalonians 5:22
• “Keep yourselves from things sacrificed to idols” [ἀπέχεσθαι] – Acts 15:29
• “The kingdom of God is at hand” [ἤγγικεν] – Mark 14:41
• “Have received in full” [ἀπέχω] – Philippians 4:18

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, ἀπέχω functioned as a technical term in financial transactions, often appearing on receipts to indicate full payment. Archaeologists have discovered numerous papyri receipts from Egypt bearing the phrase “ἀπέχω πάντα” (“I have received everything in full”), providing fascinating context for its usage in the New Testament.

This commercial background illuminates Yeshua’s teaching in Matthew 6:2-4. When He declares that hypocrites “have their reward in full” (ἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν), He employs language His listeners would associate with completed business transactions, effectively saying, “They have received their payment in full, and no further reward remains.”

Theological Significance

The theological implications of ἀπέχω are particularly profound in Yeshua’s Sermon on the Mount. When applied to those seeking human recognition for their religious acts, it presents a sobering reality: choosing immediate human acclaim results in a complete forfeiture of divine reward. This usage reveals Yahweh’s economy of reward and His perfect justice.

In ethical contexts, particularly in the Apostolic writings, ἀπέχω emphasizes complete separation from sin and evil, reflecting Yahweh’s call for total consecration. The word’s inherent sense of completeness underscores that partial abstinence from sin is insufficient; Yahweh desires complete separation from evil.

The term also appears in eschatological contexts, describing the nearness of Yahweh’s kingdom, suggesting both spatial and temporal proximity to divine reality. This usage reinforces the immediacy and certainty of Yahweh’s promises and His kingdom’s manifestation.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπέχω challenges us to examine our motivations in spiritual practices. Are we seeking temporary human recognition, thus receiving our reward in full now, or are we storing up eternal treasure in heaven? The word prompts us to consider whether we’re satisfied with earthly acclaim or pursuing divine approval.

In matters of holiness, ἀπέχω’s emphasis on complete separation calls us to evaluate areas where we might be compromising. Just as a financial receipt marked with ἀπέχω indicated full payment with nothing remaining, our separation from sin should be complete, not partial.

Related Words

• μακράν (makran) – “far off, distant” – Similar in describing distance but lacks the completeness aspect of ἀπέχω See G3112
• λαμβάνω (lambanō) – “to receive, take” – Related to receiving but without the emphasis on fullness or completion See G2983
• κρατέω (krateō) – “to hold fast, keep” – Shares the aspect of holding but emphasizes grasp rather than possession See G2902
• μισθαποδοσία (misthapodosia) – “recompense, reward” – Connected to the reward aspect of ἀπέχω See G3405

Did you Know?

• Archaeological discoveries have unearthed numerous ancient receipts containing forms of ἀπέχω, providing tangible evidence of its use in financial transactions throughout the ancient Mediterranean world.
• The compound structure of ἀπέχω (ἀπό + ἔχω) reflects a common pattern in Greek where combining a preposition with a basic verb creates a new word with specialized meaning, similar to how English combines words like “out” and “stand” to create “outstanding.”
• Modern Greek still uses ἀπέχω in similar ways to its ancient counterpart, particularly in expressing distance and abstinence, demonstrating the enduring precision and utility of this verb.

Remember This

ἀπέχω embodies the principle of complete transaction – whether receiving reward in full, maintaining total separation from evil, or experiencing the absolute sufficiency of Yahweh’s grace.