Understanding ἀποδοκιμάζω (apodokimazō) Strong’s G593: The Profound Biblical Pattern of Divine Rejection and Ultimate Vindication

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-do-kee-MAH-zō

Basic Definition

Strong’s G593: ἀποδοκιμάζω describes the act of rejecting something or someone after testing and finding them unsuitable or unworthy. This term carries the weight of an official or authoritative rejection following careful examination. In biblical usage, it often appears in contexts of spiritual rejection, particularly regarding the Messiah’s rejection by religious authorities, though remarkably, what men reject, God often chooses and exalts.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Compound word: ἀπό (away from) + δοκιμάζω (to test, examine)
• Primary usage in narrative and prophetic passages
• Common in legal and architectural contexts in classical Greek
• Frequently appears in passages about the Messiah’s rejection

ἀποδοκιμάζω Morphology:

• ἀποδοκιμάζω (present active indicative) – I reject after testing
• ἀποδοκιμάζεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you reject
• ἀπεδοκίμασαν (aorist active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they rejected
• ἀποδεδοκιμασμένον (perfect passive participle) – having been rejected
• ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι (aorist passive infinitive) – to be rejected

Origin & History

The term ἀποδοκιμάζω emerged from ancient Greek architectural and construction practices, where it described the process of examining and rejecting building stones deemed unsuitable for construction. Herodotus (Histories 1.76) uses it to describe the rejection of unfit military recruits. In the Septuagint, it appears notably in Psalm 118:22, a prophetic passage about the Messiah being the rejected stone that becomes the cornerstone.

The word gained particular significance in Hellenistic legal contexts, where it described the process of examining and potentially rejecting candidates for public office (dokimasia). Xenophon employs it in his “Memorabilia” (1.2.4) when discussing the rejection of unworthy political leaders.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To reject after examination or testing
• To declare unworthy or unsuitable after scrutiny
• To disapprove officially or with authority
• To deem unfit for use or service

ἀποδοκιμάζω Translation Options:

• “Reject after testing” – Emphasizes the evaluative process preceding rejection
• “Disapprove” – Useful when highlighting authoritative judgment
• “Deem unworthy” – Appropriate in contexts of qualification assessment
• “Cast aside” – Effective when emphasizing the physical act of rejection
• “Disqualify” – Particularly apt in legal or official contexts

Biblical Usage

ἀποδοκιμάζω appears most prominently in passages concerning the rejection of the Messiah. Its first New Testament appearance in Matthew 21:42 quotes Psalm 118:22, creating a powerful connection between prophetic anticipation and fulfillment.

The term carries special weight in messianic contexts, where it often appears in a pattern: human rejection followed by divine exaltation. This pattern emerges clearly in Peter’s speeches in Acts and his epistles, where he emphasizes how the stone rejected by builders became the cornerstone of God’s spiritual temple.

• “The stone which the builders rejected [ἀποδοκιμάζω]” Matthew 21:42
• “But first must He suffer many things and be rejected [ἀποδοκιμάζω]” Luke 17:25
• “The stone which the builders rejected [ἀποδοκιμάζω]” Mark 12:10
• “He must suffer many things and be rejected [ἀποδοκιμάζω]” Mark 8:31
• “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected [ἀποδοκιμάζω]” Luke 9:22

Cultural Insights

In ancient construction practices, stonecutters would carefully examine each stone, marking those deemed unfit with a black mark (hence “black-balled”). The rejected stones would often be cast aside into the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem. Ironically, some of these rejected stones were later discovered to be perfect for use as cornerstones, as they were larger and more carefully cut than regular stones.

This architectural practice formed a powerful metaphor in Jewish thought. The rabbis taught that just as a stone might be rejected by builders but later prove to be crucial, so too might the seemingly rejected prove to be chosen by God. This understanding adds layers of meaning to the messianic application of Psalm 118:22.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of ἀποδοκιμάζω reveal a profound pattern in God’s redemptive work. The very act of rejection by human authorities often signals divine election and eventual exaltation. This pattern is exemplified supremely in the Messiah Jesus, who was rejected by the religious leaders but exalted by God as the cornerstone of the new covenant.

This word teaches us about God’s sovereign ability to turn human rejection into divine triumph. It demonstrates how יהוה (Yahweh) often chooses what humans reject, revealing His wisdom as superior to human judgment. The pattern continues in the life of believers, who may face rejection for their faith but are chosen and precious in God’s sight.

The term also highlights the serious consequences of rejecting God’s chosen one. The religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus led to their own rejection as stewards of God’s kingdom, teaching us about the gravity of spurning divine authority.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποδοκιμάζω offers profound comfort to believers facing rejection. Just as the Messiah was rejected by human authorities but vindicated by God, so too can believers trust that human rejection doesn’t determine their ultimate value or purpose. This truth encourages us to evaluate our own tendencies to reject others based on superficial criteria.

When we feel rejected or deemed unworthy, we can remember that God often chooses and uses what others reject. This principle calls us to examine our hearts: Are we rejecting what (or whom) God has chosen? Are we allowing human rejection to define us rather than God’s acceptance?

Related Words

• δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) – to test, examine, prove – closely related root word without the ἀπό prefix, focusing on the testing process rather than rejection. See G1381
• ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai) – to choose, select – provides contrast as the opposite of rejection, often used of God’s choosing. See G1586
• ἀθετέω (atheteō) – to reject, set aside – similar meaning but without the connotation of testing first. See G114
• κρίνω (krinō) – to judge, decide – broader term for making judgments, can include rejection. See G2919

Did you Know?

• The process of rejecting stones in ancient construction was so common that rejected stones formed large piles outside Jerusalem, some of which can still be seen today in archaeological sites.
• The term ἀποδοκιμάζω was used in ancient Greek banking to describe the process of rejecting counterfeit coins, where money-changers would test coins by biting them or dropping them to hear their ring.
• In modern Greek, the word still carries similar connotations and is used in quality control contexts, particularly in manufacturing and construction industries.

Remember This

What man rejects after testing, God often chooses for His greatest purposes, transforming the stone of stumbling into the cornerstone of His eternal plan.