Understanding ἀποστυγέω (apostugeō) Strong’s G655: The Powerful Greek Word for Intensely Hating Evil and Embracing God’s Righteousness

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-stoo-GEH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G655: ἀποστυγέω (apostugeō) expresses an intense, passionate hatred or abhorrence of something, particularly evil. The word combines the preposition ἀπό (indicating separation or intensity) with στυγέω (to hate, abhor), creating a forceful term for utter revulsion and active opposition to what is morally wrong. This rare but powerful verb emphasizes both emotional revulsion and deliberate rejection.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active infinitive)
• Compound word: ἀπό (from, away from) + στυγέω (to hate, abhor)
• Classical Greek origin
• Primary usage in ethical and moral contexts
• Rare in biblical Greek, appearing only once in the New Testament
• Used in didactic (teaching) passages

ἀποστυγέω Morphology:

• ἀποστυγέω (present active infinitive) – to abhor, to hate intensely
• ἀποστυγῶν (present active participle nominative masculine singular) – hating, abhorring
• ἀποστυγοῦντες (present active participle nominative masculine plural) – those who hate/abhor
• ἀπεστύγησα (aorist active indicative) – I abhorred/hated intensely

Origin & History

The word ἀποστυγέω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was used to express intense emotional revulsion. In Plato’s works, particularly the Republic, the term appears in discussions of moral philosophy to describe the proper attitude toward vice and injustice. The compound structure, combining ἀπό with στυγέω, intensifies the basic meaning of hatred or abhorrence.

The base word στυγέω is connected to the river Styx in Greek mythology, the river of hatred in the underworld, suggesting a primal, deeply rooted aversion. This connection adds depth to the word’s connotation of fundamental, almost instinctive rejection of evil.

Plutarch uses ἀποστυγέω in his Moralia when discussing the proper response to vice and corruption, emphasizing the active nature of this hatred as more than mere passive dislike but as a moral imperative to oppose evil.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete moral rejection and emotional revulsion toward evil
• Active opposition to and separation from what is morally wrong
• Intense, passionate hatred directed at sin while loving the sinner
• Deliberate stance of opposition against wickedness

ἀποστυγέω Translation Options:

• “Utterly abhor” – Captures the intensity and completeness of the rejection
• “Hate passionately” – Emphasizes the emotional and active nature of the word
• “Detest completely” – Reflects both the emotional and volitional aspects
• “Thoroughly despise” – Communicates the thoroughness implied by the ἀπό prefix
• “Reject with revulsion” – Highlights both the emotional and separative aspects

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποστυγέω appears only once, in Romans 12:9, where Paul commands believers to “abhor what is evil”. This singular usage is significant, appearing in a context where Paul is describing the characteristics of genuine love. The word’s placement alongside commands to love genuinely (ἀγάπη ἀνυπόκριτος) suggests that proper hatred of evil is an essential component of authentic love.

While rare in biblical Greek, its impact is amplified by its context and the theological weight it carries. The word appears in the Septuagint translation of several passages dealing with moral rejection of evil, particularly in the wisdom literature.

• “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor [ἀποστυγέω] what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of separation from evil was fundamental to holy living. The Hebrew concept of בָּדַל (badal), meaning to separate or distinguish, carries similar connotations to ἀποστυγέω. This connection reflects the Jewish understanding that true holiness involves not just avoiding evil but actively rejecting it.

The word’s usage in Romans 12:9 would have resonated particularly strongly with Jewish believers familiar with the Old Testament concept of תֹּעֵבָה (toevah), or abomination, which expressed similar ideas of moral revulsion toward evil. The cultural context of Roman society, where moral compromise was often seen as practical wisdom, makes Paul’s use of this strong term even more striking.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποστυγέω in Romans 12:9 reveals a crucial aspect of biblical ethics: genuine love for good must be accompanied by genuine hatred of evil. This reflects God’s own character, as He both loves righteousness and hates wickedness perfectly (Psalm 45:7).

This word challenges the modern tendency to separate love from moral discernment. It teaches that true agape love includes a proper hatred of evil – not a hatred of people, but of sin itself. This reflects the perfect balance we see in the Messiah Jesus, who demonstrated both perfect love for sinners and perfect hatred of sin.

The intensity of the word also suggests that believers should not be passive or neutral toward evil but should actively oppose it while maintaining love for those caught in its grip. This mirrors יהוה (Yahweh)’s own character as revealed in Proverbs 6:16-19.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποστυγέω challenges believers to examine their attitude toward evil. Are we truly revolted by sin, or have we become comfortable with it? The word calls us to develop a godly hatred of evil while maintaining Christ-like love for people.

This concept is particularly relevant in our current cultural climate where moral relativism often prevents people from taking strong stands against evil. The word reminds us that loving God and others includes actively opposing what harms them, while never losing sight of the redemptive purpose of God’s love.

Related Words

• μισέω (miseō) – to hate, detest – A more common word for hatred, but lacking the intensity of ἀποστυγέω See G3404
• βδελύσσομαι (bdelyssomai) – to detest, abhor – Often used for ritual or moral defilement See G948
• προσοχθίζω (prosochthizō) – to be severely displeased with – Expresses divine displeasure See G4360
• στυγητός (stygētos) – hateful, detestable – Related adjective form See G4767

Did you Know?

• The root word στυγέω is connected to the river Styx in Greek mythology, considered the river of hatred in the underworld, emphasizing the word’s connection to fundamental, deep-seated aversion.
• The prefix ἀπο- in ἀποστυγέω is the same prefix used in ἀποθνῄσκω (to die), suggesting a complete separation or severance – in this case, from evil.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of στυγέω in words expressing strong disgust or horror, showing the enduring impact of this word family in expressing moral revulsion.

Remember This

ἀποστυγέω teaches us that genuine love for God and others requires a passionate hatred of evil – not a hatred that destroys, but one that protects and preserves what is good.