Understanding ἀπό (apo) Strong’s G575: The Greek Preposition that Reveals Divine Separation, Source and Origin in Scripture

Pronunciation Guide: ah-PO (as in “apple” and “pole”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G575: A primary preposition denoting separation, source, and origin. ἀπό expresses the idea of separation or departure from something, whether in space, time, or source. It indicates the point from which an action or state proceeds, making it essential for understanding biblical concepts of departure, derivation, and causation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Preposition
• Origin: Proto-Indo-European *apo- (“off, away”)
• Primary Usage: Narrative and teaching sections
• Language Family: Indo-European > Greek
• Style: Common in both literal and metaphorical contexts

ἀπό Morphology:

• ἀπό (basic form) – from, away from
• ἀπ’ (before vowels with smooth breathing) – elided form
• ἀφ’ (before vowels with rough breathing) – aspirated form

Origin & History

ἀπό has deep roots in classical Greek, appearing extensively in Homer’s works where it primarily indicated spatial separation. In Plato’s “Republic,” the preposition takes on more abstract meanings, expressing separation from ideas and concepts. Thucydides employs ἀπό frequently in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” to denote both physical distance and causal relationships.

In the Septuagint, ἀπό serves as the primary translation for the Hebrew מִן (min), expanding its semantic range to include temporal distance and divine separation. This translation choice significantly influenced its later New Testament usage, particularly in theological contexts discussing separation from sin and the world.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Commentary on John,” developed the theological implications of ἀπό, using it to discuss the Son’s relationship with the Father and the believer’s separation from worldly influences.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Physical separation or distance from a point of origin
• Temporal distance from a starting point
• Source or origin of something
• Causal relationship indicating agency or means
• Separation in a metaphorical or spiritual sense

ἀπό Translation Options:

• “from” – Most common translation, emphasizing point of origin
• “away from” – When emphasizing separation or departure
• “by” or “by means of” – In contexts of agency or causation
• “since” – In temporal contexts
• “of” – When indicating source or derivation

Biblical Usage

ἀπό appears over 600 times in the New Testament, making it one of the most frequently used prepositions. Its first appearance in Matthew 1:17 establishes its temporal use, marking periods of Israel’s history. The preposition plays a crucial role in theological statements about separation from sin, derivation from divine sources, and temporal progression in God’s redemptive plan.

The word is particularly significant in passages describing spiritual transformation, where believers are called to separate themselves from worldly influences and draw near to God. This usage reflects the Jewish concept of holiness as separation unto God.

• “Matthew 1:17 – So all the generations from [ἀπό] Abraham to David…”
• “Acts 2:40 – Save yourselves from [ἀπό] this perverse generation.”
• “Romans 1:7 – Grace to you and peace from [ἀπό] God our Father.”
• “2 Corinthians 5:6 – whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from [ἀπό] the Lord.”
• “1 John 1:7 – the blood of Jesus cleanses us from [ἀπό] all sin.”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of separation was fundamental to understanding holiness. The Hebrew word קָדוֹשׁ (kadosh), meaning “holy,” literally means “set apart.” This cultural understanding deeply influenced the New Testament writers’ use of ἀπό when discussing spiritual separation and sanctification.

The Greco-Roman world was familiar with the concept of physical and social separation, particularly in religious contexts where certain areas or activities were designated as separate from common use. This cultural backdrop enriches our understanding of how the early Christians would have understood calls to be separate from the world while remaining engaged in mission.

Theological Significance

ἀπό plays a crucial role in expressing fundamental theological concepts in Scripture. It helps articulate the doctrine of salvation as separation from sin and the world unto God. This dual movement – separation from one thing and movement toward another – reflects the holistic nature of biblical salvation.

The preposition is also vital in describing God as the source of all good gifts (James 1:17). When combined with terms of origin or source, ἀπό helps express the doctrine of divine initiative in salvation and sanctification, emphasizing that all spiritual blessings originate from God.

In Christology, ἀπό helps articulate both the distinction and unity between the Father and Son, particularly in passages discussing the Son’s mission from the Father.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπό challenges us to examine what we need to separate ourselves from to draw closer to God. Just as ancient Israel was called to be separate from the nations while being a light to them, we too are called to maintain this delicate balance of being in the world but not of it.

This word reminds us that true spiritual transformation involves both separation from worldly values and dedication to godly purposes. It invites us to consider: What do we need to step away from to step closer to God?

Related Words

• ἐκ (ek, pronunciation: ehk) – out of, from within – Similar but emphasizes emergence from within – See G1537
• παρά (para, pronunciation: pah-RAH) – from beside, alongside – Emphasizes proximity rather than separation – See G3844
• μετά (meta, pronunciation: meh-TAH) – with, after – Often contrasts with ἀπό in describing relationships – See G3326
• πρός (pros, pronunciation: pros) – toward, to – Represents movement opposite to ἀπό – See G4314

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἀπό is still commonly used and appears in many compound words, maintaining its basic meaning of “from” or “away from.” It’s one of the few prepositions that has maintained its core meaning for over two millennia.
• The English prefix “apo-” (as in “apocalypse” and “apology”) comes directly from this Greek preposition, carrying the idea of “away from” or “separate.”
• When ἀπό appears before words beginning with a vowel, it changes form (ἀπ’ or ἀφ’), demonstrating the Greek language’s attention to euphony (pleasant sound).

Remember This

ἀπό embodies the powerful biblical principle that authentic spiritual life involves both separation from what hinders and movement toward what is holy.