Pronunciation Guide: ah-PAY-mee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G549: ἄπειμι (apeimi) is a compound verb combining the preposition ἀπό (away from) with εἰμί (to be/go), literally meaning “to go away” or “to depart.” This word specifically denotes a deliberate withdrawal or departure, often with strategic or providential significance in biblical narratives.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Root Components: ἀπό (from) + εἰμί (to be/go)
• Primary Usage: Narrative sections, particularly in Acts
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Common in historical narratives and epistolary literature

ἄπειμι Morphology:

• ἄπειμι (present active indicative) – I am going away
• ἀπιέναι (present active infinitive) – to go away
• ἀπιών (present active participle) – going away
• ἀπῄει (imperfect active) – was going away

Origin & History

The verb ἄπειμι has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe physical departure or withdrawal. In Plato’s “Republic,” the term appears frequently to describe philosophers’ withdrawal from public life for contemplation. Xenophon employs it in his “Anabasis” to describe tactical military withdrawals.

In the Septuagint, ἄπειμι appears in contexts of both physical and spiritual separation, particularly in wisdom literature. The translation of Hebrew verbs of departure (such as הָלַךְ and סוּר) often employs ἄπειμι, especially when emphasizing the purposeful nature of the departure.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Strategic withdrawal with purpose
• Deliberate departure from a location
• Physical separation with intent
• Movement away from a starting point

ἄπειμι Translation Options:

• “to go away” – emphasizing the physical act of departure
• “to withdraw” – highlighting strategic or purposeful movement
• “to depart” – formal translation capturing both intention and action
• “to leave” – general term suitable for most contexts
• “to exit” – emphasizing the completion of departure

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄπειμι appears predominantly in Acts, where it often carries theological significance beyond mere physical departure. Its usage in Acts 17:10 marks a pivotal moment in Paul’s ministry, where strategic withdrawal serves divine purposes for the spread of the Gospel.

The word often appears in contexts where God’s providence guides the movements of His servants, particularly in situations of persecution or mission strategy. This pattern demonstrates how apparent retreats often serve as divine advances in the Kingdom’s expansion.

• “And the brethren immediately sent away [ἄπειμι] Paul and Silas by night unto Berea” Acts 17:10
• “But Paul said unto them… let them come themselves and fetch us out [ἄπειμι]” Acts 16:37
• “And when they heard it, they went out [ἄπειμι] one by one” John 8:9

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, departure often carried significant social and cultural implications. The Jewish concept of שָׁלַח (shalach) – sending away with purpose – closely parallels the usage of ἄπειμι in the New Testament. This connection is particularly evident in the apostolic missions, where departure from one location wasn’t merely geographical but carried divine commission.

The Greco-Roman practice of strategic retreat in military contexts (known as ἀναχώρησις) provides important background for understanding how ἄπειμι functions in Acts. Just as a tactical withdrawal could serve a larger strategic purpose, the apostles’ departures often facilitated greater gospel advancement.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄπειμι in the New Testament reveals a profound theological truth: what appears as retreat in human terms may actually be advance in God’s kingdom purposes. This paradox reflects the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom, where apparent defeat often precedes victory, and withdrawal can lead to wider influence.

The word teaches us about divine providence in the midst of persecution. When the apostles depart (ἄπειμι) from one city due to opposition, it invariably leads to the gospel’s expansion elsewhere, demonstrating how God sovereignly uses even hostile circumstances to fulfill His purposes.

Personal Application

Understanding ἄπειμι challenges us to view our own withdrawals and departures through the lens of divine providence. When circumstances compel us to leave certain situations or relationships, we can trust that God may be orchestrating a strategic withdrawal for His greater purposes.

This word reminds us that sometimes stepping back or moving away from a situation isn’t a sign of defeat but rather a Spirit-led tactical movement in God’s larger strategy. It encourages us to seek God’s wisdom in knowing when to stay and when to go.

Related Words

• ἀναχωρέω (anachōreō) [ah-nah-kho-REH-oh] – to withdraw, retreat, often with strategic implications. See G402
• ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai) [ex-ER-kho-mai] – to go out, depart, emphasizing the point of exit. See G1831
• πορεύομαι (poreuomai) [po-REU-o-mai] – to travel, journey, focusing on the process of movement. See G4198
• ὑπάγω (hypagō) [hoo-PA-go] – to go away, withdraw, often with subtle undertones. See G5217

Did you Know?

• The same word ἄπειμι was used in ancient Greek medical texts to describe the recession of symptoms, suggesting a natural and gradual withdrawal process.
• In rabbinic literature, the concept of strategic withdrawal (מְסִיגָה) was considered a valid tactical approach in both physical and spiritual warfare, paralleling the New Testament usage of ἄπειμι.
• The compound nature of ἄπειμι (ἀπό + εἰμί) creates a word that is stronger and more definitive than simple verbs of movement, emphasizing the deliberate and complete nature of the departure.

Remember This

ἄπειμι reminds us that in God’s kingdom, strategic withdrawal often precedes spiritual advancement, teaching us to trust His sovereign guidance in both our goings and our stayings.