Understanding ἀπέχομαι (apechomai) Strong’s G567: The Profound Biblical Call to Abstain and Set Oneself Apart

Pronunciation Guide: ah-PEH-kho-my

Basic Definition

Strong’s G567: ἀπέχομαι (apechomai) is a middle voice verb meaning to hold oneself off or away from, to abstain, or to refrain voluntarily. It emphasizes the deliberate choice to distance oneself from something, typically for spiritual or moral reasons. The middle voice indicates personal involvement in the action, suggesting self-restraint and conscious decision-making.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (apo, “from”) and ἔχω (echo, “to have/hold”)
• Middle/passive deponent verb
• Common in ethical and moral contexts
• Frequently used in epistolary literature
• Primary usage in teaching and exhortation sections

ἀπέχομαι Morphology:

• ἀπέχομαι (present middle indicative) – I abstain/am abstaining
• ἀπέχεσθαι (present middle infinitive) – to abstain
• ἀπεχόμενοι (present middle participle nominative plural) – abstaining ones
• ἀπέχεσθε (present middle imperative 2nd person plural) – you all abstain!
• ἀπέσχεσθαι (aorist middle infinitive) – to have abstained

Origin & History

The verb ἀπέχομαι emerged from classical Greek literature where it was commonly used to describe physical distance or separation. In Xenophon’s “Memorabilia” (4.2.16), it appears in discussions of self-control and ethical behavior. The term gained spiritual significance in Hellenistic Jewish literature, particularly in the Septuagint where it often translated Hebrew terms related to ritual purity and moral restraint.

In the writings of Philo of Alexandria, ἀπέχομαι became closely associated with spiritual discipline and ethical living. His work “On the Special Laws” (1.242) employs the term to discuss abstinence from impure practices as a means of maintaining spiritual integrity.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata” (3.7), expanded its usage to encompass the broader Christian ethic of separation from worldly influences while maintaining active engagement in community life.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Deliberate abstention from something for spiritual or moral reasons
• Physical or metaphorical distancing of oneself from undesirable influences
• Self-restraint exercised as an act of spiritual discipline
• Voluntary refraining from specific actions or practices

ἀπέχομαι Translation Options:

• “To abstain” – Best captures the voluntary nature of the action
• “To keep oneself from” – Emphasizes the personal responsibility aspect
• “To refrain from” – Highlights the conscious decision-making involved
• “To hold oneself back” – Reflects the middle voice and personal agency
• “To distance oneself from” – Captures the spatial metaphor inherent in the prefix ἀπό

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀπέχομαι appears predominantly in contexts addressing Christian ethical behavior and spiritual discipline. Its first appearance in Acts 15:20 occurs within the crucial Jerusalem Council decree, where it establishes fundamental behavioral expectations for Gentile believers.

The term carries significant weight in Pauline ethics, particularly in discussions of sexual morality and idolatry. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Paul employs it to emphasize the importance of sexual purity as a mark of sanctification.

The word appears in several key New Testament passages:

• “That you abstain [ἀπέχεσθαι] from things sacrificed to idols and from blood” Acts 15:20
• “That you abstain [ἀπέχεσθαι] from sexual immorality” 1 Thessalonians 4:3
• “Abstain [ἀπέχεσθε] from every form of evil” 1 Thessalonians 5:22
• “To abstain [ἀπέχεσθαι] from fleshly lusts” 1 Peter 2:11

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, ἀπέχομαι carried significant cultural weight in philosophical circles, particularly among Stoic philosophers who emphasized self-control and abstinence from excess. However, the biblical usage transformed this concept by grounding it in relationship with God rather than mere self-discipline.

The Jerusalem Council’s use of ἀπέχομαι in Acts 15 reflects deep sensitivity to Jewish-Gentile relations. The chosen prohibitions echoed the Noahide Laws, which Jewish tradition held as binding on all humanity. This careful selection helped bridge the cultural gap between Jewish and Gentile believers while maintaining essential moral boundaries.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπέχομαι in Scripture reveals a profound theological truth about sanctification. Rather than mere legalistic prohibition, it represents active participation in God’s transformative work. The middle voice emphasizes that believers are not passive recipients but active participants in their spiritual formation.

This word illuminates the biblical understanding of holiness as both separation from sin and dedication to God. It challenges the notion that spiritual growth is purely passive, highlighting instead the believer’s responsibility to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work.

The frequent pairing of ἀπέχομαι with positive commands demonstrates that biblical abstinence is not merely negative but creates space for positive spiritual growth and engagement with God’s purposes.

Personal Application

In our modern context, ἀπέχομαι challenges believers to consider what practices, influences, or habits might be hindering their spiritual growth. The middle voice reminds us that while we depend entirely on God’s grace, we are called to actively participate in our sanctification through deliberate choices and actions.

This word invites us to view abstinence not as deprivation but as liberation—creating space in our lives for deeper communion with God and more effective service to others. It calls us to examine our lives and identify areas where strategic abstinence might lead to spiritual breakthrough.

Related Words

• ἐγκρατεύομαι (egkrateuomai) – to exercise self-control, emphasizing internal restraint rather than separation from external influences See G1467
• νήφω (nepho) – to be sober, vigilant, highlighting mental clarity and spiritual alertness See G3525
• παρέχω (parecho) – to hold near, offer, present, contrasting with ἀπέχομαι’s sense of holding away See G3930
• φεύγω (pheugo) – to flee, emphasizing active escape rather than maintained distance See G5343

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀπό in ἀπέχομαι carries the same sense of separation found in modern English words like “apocalypse” (uncovering) and “apology” (speaking away from), highlighting the fundamental idea of distance or separation.
• In ancient Greek athletic training, ἀπέχομαι was used to describe athletes’ strict dietary and lifestyle restrictions during preparation for competition, providing a powerful metaphor for spiritual discipline that Paul likely had in mind in passages like 1 Corinthians 9:25.
• The concept of ἀπέχομαι in Jewish thought was closely connected to the idea of קדש (qadash – to be holy), emphasizing that true holiness involves both separation from profane things and dedication to sacred purposes.

Remember This

ἀπέχομαι embodies the profound truth that spiritual growth requires both divine grace and human responsibility—a holy partnership where our deliberate choices to abstain create space for God’s transformative work in our lives.