Understanding ἀποβάλλω (apoballo) Strong’s G577: The Transformative Act of Casting Away that Reveals Faith’s Power

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-BAL-lo (ἀ-πο-βάλ-λω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G577: ἀποβάλλω (apoballo) is a dynamic compound verb that literally means “to throw away from oneself” or “to cast off deliberately.” It combines the preposition ἀπό (away from) with βάλλω (to throw), creating a vivid picture of intentional separation or decisive rejection. The word carries a sense of determined action, often implying a permanent parting with something previously held.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (from, away from) + βάλλω (to throw, cast)
• Primary usage in narrative passages and teaching sections
• Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts
• Classical Greek origin with continued usage in Koine Greek
• Found in various literary genres including historical narratives and epistles

ἀποβάλλω Morphology:

• ἀποβάλλω (present active indicative) – I throw away
• ἀποβαλεῖν (aorist active infinitive) – to throw away
• ἀποβαλών (aorist active participle) – having thrown away
• ἀπέβαλεν (aorist active indicative) – he/she threw away
• ἀποβέβληκα (perfect active indicative) – I have thrown away

Origin & History

The word ἀποβάλλω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe the physical act of throwing away objects or metaphorically casting off abstract concepts. In Plato’s “Republic” (398a), it appears in discussions about rejecting harmful influences from the ideal city-state.

The Septuagint employs ἀποβάλλω in several significant passages, particularly in wisdom literature. The term appears in Proverbs 28:24 where it describes the rejection of moral teaching. This usage established a theological foundation for its later New Testament applications.

Early church fathers like Clement of Alexandria in his “Protrepticus” used ἀποβάλλω to encourage believers to cast off worldly attachments, demonstrating the word’s evolution into a powerful metaphor for spiritual transformation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To throw away or cast off deliberately and decisively
• To reject or discard something previously valued
• To remove or separate oneself from an object or concept
• To abandon or let go of something intentionally

ἀποβάλλω Translation Options:

• “Cast away” – Best captures the deliberate, physical action implied in the word’s etymology
• “Throw off” – Emphasizes the complete separation aspect, particularly useful in metaphorical contexts
• “Discard” – Appropriate when the focus is on the permanent nature of the rejection
• “Let go” – Suitable for contexts where voluntary release is emphasized
• “Remove” – Useful when translating more neutral instances of separation

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποβάλλω appears most prominently in narratives of personal transformation and teachings about discipleship. Its first appearance in Mark 10:50 presents a powerful image of Bartimaeus casting away his cloak to come to Jesus, symbolizing the abandonment of old securities for new life in the Messiah.

The word carries significant theological weight in passages about spiritual commitment and the cost of discipleship. It often appears at crucial moments where characters must make decisive breaks with their past to move forward in faith.

Key verses featuring ἀποβάλλω:

• Mark 10:50 – “And throwing away [ἀποβαλών] his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus”
• Hebrews 10:35 – “Therefore do not throw away [ἀποβάλητε] your confidence”
• Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (warning against throwing away one’s crown)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the act of casting away a garment, as seen in Mark’s account of Bartimaeus, carried profound symbolism. Cloaks were not just clothing but represented one’s social status, protection, and livelihood. For a blind beggar to cast away his cloak – perhaps his only possession of value – demonstrated extraordinary faith and complete abandonment of self-reliance.

The concept also connects to the Hebrew tradition of “putting off” (פשט – pashat) the old nature, seen in various prophetic actions throughout the Old Testament. This cultural understanding enriches our grasp of ἀποβάλλω’s usage in New Testament contexts of spiritual transformation.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of ἀποβάλλω reveal profound truths about the nature of faith and discipleship. It teaches that genuine following of the Messiah often requires decisive action – casting away old securities, habits, or identities that hinder our walk with Him. This connects to Yeshua’s teaching about counting the cost of discipleship.

The word also appears in contexts warning against throwing away confidence in God’s promises, highlighting the importance of perseverance in faith. This dual usage – the positive casting away of hindrances and the warning against discarding faith – creates a rich theological tapestry about the nature of spiritual commitment and growth.

Personal Application

In our modern context, ἀποβάλλω challenges us to examine what we need to “cast away” to follow the Messiah more fully. Just as Bartimaeus threw off his cloak – his security and identity as a beggar – we too must identify and release whatever holds us back from complete trust in God.

This might involve casting away doubts, unhealthy relationships, materialistic pursuits, or self-reliant attitudes. The decisive nature of ἀποβάλλω reminds us that transformation often requires bold, decisive action rather than gradual drift.

Related Words

• ῥίπτω (rhipto) – to throw, cast, with emphasis on the direction of the throw. Less emphatic than ἀποβάλλω in terms of permanent separation. See G4496
• βάλλω (ballo) – the root word meaning to throw or cast, without the specific sense of separation. See G906
• ἀποτίθημι (apotithemi) – to put away or lay aside, similar concept but less forceful. See G659
• ἀφίημι (aphiemi) – to leave, forgive, or let go, sharing the concept of release. See G863

Did you Know?

• The word ἀποβάλλω was used in ancient Greek athletic contexts to describe wrestlers throwing off their outer garments before a match, providing a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparation and commitment.
• In modern Greek, ἀποβάλλω has evolved to mean “to expel” or “to eliminate,” particularly in academic contexts, showing how the core concept of decisive separation has endured through the ages.
• The compound structure of ἀποβάλλω (ἀπό + βάλλω) follows a common pattern in Koine Greek where adding the prefix ἀπό intensifies the action and emphasizes complete separation, much like how we use “throw away” versus simply “throw” in English.

Remember This

ἀποβάλλω embodies the transformative power of decisive spiritual action – when we cast away our old securities and identities, we make room for God’s new work in our lives.