Understanding ἀποτρέπω (apotrepō) Strong’s G665: The Powerful Command to Turn Away from False Teaching and Evil

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-TREP-oh (ἀποτρέπω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G665: ἀποτρέπω (apotrepō) is a compound verb that means to turn away from, to avoid, or to reject decisively. The word conveys a deliberate action of separation or distancing oneself from something harmful or dangerous. In biblical usage, it often carries moral and spiritual implications of rejecting false teaching or evil influences.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (from, away from) + τρέπω (to turn)
• Primary usage in teaching and exhortation contexts
• Found in classical Greek literature and Koine Greek
• Occurs in both literal and metaphorical contexts
• Middle voice indicates personal involvement in the action

ἀποτρέπω Morphology:

• ἀποτρέπω (present active indicative) – I turn away
• ἀποτρέπομαι (present middle indicative) – I turn myself away
• ἀποτρέπου (present middle imperative) – turn yourself away!
• ἀποτραπήσομαι (future passive indicative) – I will be turned away
• ἀπότρεψον (aorist active imperative) – turn away!

Origin & History

The word ἀποτρέπω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe physical movement away from danger or unwanted circumstances. Xenophon employs it in his “Memorabilia” (4.2.3) to describe turning away from vice and pursuing virtue. In the Septuagint, though not frequently used, it appears in contexts of avoiding evil or turning away from danger.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Protrepticus,” used ἀποτρέπω to urge believers to turn away from pagan practices and embrace the truth of the Gospel. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, employs the term to emphasize the necessity of rejecting false teaching and worldly influences.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To turn oneself away from something or someone
• To deliberately avoid or shun
• To reject or refuse association
• To actively distance oneself from danger or evil

ἀποτρέπω Translation Options:

• “Turn away from” – Emphasizes the active motion of separation
• “Avoid” – Captures the preventative aspect of the action
• “Shun” – Highlights the deliberate rejection
• “Keep away from” – Emphasizes ongoing separation
• “Reject” – Stresses the decisive nature of the action

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποτρέπω appears only once, in 2 Timothy 3:5, where Paul instructs Timothy to turn away from those who have a form of godliness but deny its power. This singular usage is significant as it occurs in a passage warning about the dangerous characteristics of people in the last days.

While the exact form appears only once, the concept it represents is found throughout Scripture, particularly in passages about separating from evil influences and false teaching. The word choice in 2 Timothy 3:5 is deliberate, suggesting not just passive avoidance but active separation.

• “and from such people turn away [ἀποτρέπου].” 2 Timothy 3:5

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of turning away was often associated with philosophical schools’ practices of rejecting certain lifestyles or teachings. The term had particular significance in Jewish culture, where separation from impurity was a crucial religious concept. This background illuminates Paul’s use of ἀποτρέπω in addressing Timothy, a young leader in Ephesus where various philosophical and religious influences competed for attention.

The word carried special weight in the context of first-century Ephesus, where Timothy ministered. Ephesus was known for its syncretistic religious practices and mystery cults. Paul’s command to “turn away” would have resonated with converts familiar with the practice of decisively breaking from former religious associations.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποτρέπω in 2 Timothy 3:5 reveals God’s concern for the spiritual protection of His people. It demonstrates that genuine faith requires not only embracing truth but also rejecting falsehood. The middle voice form used in the passage emphasizes personal responsibility in maintaining spiritual integrity.

This word choice aligns with the broader biblical theme of separation for holiness, reflecting God’s character of absolute holiness and His desire for His people to be set apart. It connects to the Old Testament concept of being a holy nation, separate from surrounding pagan influences, while pointing forward to the Messiah’s call for His followers to be in the world but not of it.

Personal Application

In our modern context, ἀποτρέπω challenges believers to examine their associations and influences carefully. Just as Timothy was instructed to turn away from false teachers, we must discern and actively distance ourselves from teachings and influences that compromise biblical truth.

This doesn’t call for isolation but for wise discrimination. The decisive action implied in ἀποτρέπω reminds us that half-measures are insufficient when dealing with spiritual dangers. We must make clear, decisive breaks from influences that threaten our walk with the Messiah.

Related Words

• ἐκτρέπω (ektrepō) – to turn aside, deviate – emphasizes the direction of turning away from a path – See G1624
• ἀποφεύγω (apopheugō) – to flee from, escape – suggests more urgent separation – See G668
• ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi) – to withdraw, depart – implies more physical separation – See G868
• παραιτέομαι (paraiteomai) – to refuse, reject – focuses on the aspect of rejection – See G3868

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀπό in ἀποτρέπω is the same prefix found in “apocalypse,” suggesting a complete or decisive action rather than a partial one. This emphasizes the totality of the separation Paul commands.
• In ancient Greek athletic training, trainers would use forms of τρέπω to direct athletes away from harmful practices that could impair their performance, showing how the word connected to disciplined living.
• The middle voice form used in 2 Timothy 3:5 (ἀποτρέπου) was also used in ancient medical texts to prescribe avoiding certain foods or behaviors, highlighting the self-protective nature of the action.

Remember This

ἀποτρέπω embodies the crucial spiritual discipline of decisive separation from harmful influences, reminding us that genuine faith requires both embracing truth and rejecting falsehood.