Understanding ἀποκαθίστημι (apokathistēmi) Strong’s G600: The Divine Power of Complete Restoration and Return to Original Purpose

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-kath-IS-tay-mee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G600: ἀποκαθίστημι represents the profound concept of complete restoration or reestablishment to an original state or condition. It carries the powerful meaning of making something whole again, returning it to its proper place or former condition. This word embodies the hope of total recovery and the promise of divine restoration.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (from, away from) + κατά (according to) + ἵστημι (to stand, establish)
• Primary usage in narrative and prophetic texts
• Common in medical writings describing physical healing
• Frequently appears in eschatological contexts regarding restoration
• Used in both literal and metaphorical senses

ἀποκαθίστημι Morphology:

• ἀποκαθίστημι (present active indicative) – I restore, reestablish
• ἀποκατέστησεν (aorist active indicative) – he/she/it restored
• ἀποκατασταθήσεται (future passive indicative) – it will be restored
• ἀποκατάστησον (aorist active imperative) – restore!
• ἀποκαθιστάνων (present active participle) – restoring

Origin & History

The term ἀποκαθίστημι has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it initially described the physical act of returning something to its original position or state. Hippocrates used it in his medical writings to describe the restoration of dislocated joints or recovery from illness. In “De Articulis” (On Joints), he specifically employs it to discuss the proper realignment of bones.

In the Septuagint, ἀποκαθίστημι took on broader theological significance, particularly in prophetic literature. The translators used it to render Hebrew words relating to restoration and return, especially in contexts of Israel’s restoration from exile. Notably, in the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, it describes both physical return from captivity and spiritual renewal.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum” and Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” expanded its usage to encompass the restoration of all things in Christ, developing a rich theological framework around the concept of divine restoration.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete restoration to original condition or state
• Reestablishment of proper order or function
• Return to rightful place or position
• Recovery of health or wholeness
• Fulfillment of prophetic restoration

ἀποκαθίστημι Translation Options:

• “Restore completely” – emphasizes the thoroughness of the restoration process
• “Return to original state” – highlights the concept of returning to an intended condition
• “Make whole again” – particularly appropriate in healing contexts
• “Reestablish fully” – emphasizes the completeness of the action
• “Bring back to proper order” – useful in contexts of social or cosmic restoration

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποκαθίστημι appears in several significant contexts, each highlighting different aspects of divine restoration. Its first appearance in Matthew 12:13 demonstrates physical healing where the man’s withered hand was “restored” to full function. This usage establishes a pattern where the word often indicates complete restoration rather than partial improvement.

The term takes on eschatological significance in Acts 1:6 where the disciples ask about the “restoration” of the kingdom to Israel. This usage connects to the broader prophetic theme of restoration found throughout Scripture, particularly in the prophetic books.

Notable appearances include:

• “Then his hand was restored [ἀποκατεστάθη]” Matthew 12:13
• “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring [ἀποκαθιστάνεις] the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6
• “Elijah is coming and will restore [ἀποκαταστήσει] all things” Matthew 17:11
• “It was restored [ἀπεκατεστάθη] whole, like the other” Mark 3:5
• “And his sight was restored [ἀπεκατέστη]” Mark 8:25

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of restoration (תיקון – tikkun) was central to understanding God’s redemptive work. The rabbis taught about tikkun olam (repairing the world), which parallels the Greek ἀποκαθίστημι in its scope and significance. This connection helps explain why the disciples’ question about restoration in Acts 1:6 carried such weight – they were expressing a deeply held Jewish expectation about the Messianic age.

The term also had significant meaning in the Greco-Roman world, particularly in legal and political contexts. Documents from the period show it was used in legal proceedings to describe the restoration of property rights or social status. This secular usage adds depth to our understanding of how the early believers would have understood the term’s implications for both personal and cosmic restoration.

Theological Significance

ἀποκαθίστημι reveals a profound aspect of God’s character and His redemptive plan. The word’s use in healing narratives demonstrates that the Messiah Jesus came not just to patch or improve, but to completely restore what was broken. This complete restoration points to the thoroughness of God’s salvation work – He doesn’t merely improve our condition; He restores us to His original design.

The eschatological usage of ἀποκαθίστημι connects individual restoration with cosmic renewal. When Acts 3:21 speaks of the “restoration of all things,” it presents God’s ultimate purpose to bring all creation back to its intended state of harmony with Him. This reveals that God’s restoration work encompasses not just individual salvation but the renewal of all creation.

The word’s appearance in both healing and eschatological contexts suggests that physical healings in the Messiah’s ministry were signs pointing to the greater restoration He would ultimately bring. This demonstrates God’s power to restore completely and His commitment to bringing His creation back to its intended glory.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποκαθίστημι challenges us to expand our vision of what God can and will do in our lives. When we pray for restoration – whether of health, relationships, or spiritual vitality – we can be encouraged that God’s restoration is not partial but complete. The word reminds us that no matter how broken or damaged something may be, God’s power to restore is always greater than the destruction we see.

This understanding should also shape our approach to ministry and personal growth. Just as the Messiah’s healings were complete restorations rather than partial improvements, we should expect and work toward complete transformation in our lives and the lives of others, always remembering that true restoration comes from God’s power, not our efforts.

Related Words

• καθίστημι (kathistēmi) – to set in order, establish – Shows the basic concept of establishing without the emphasis on restoration See G2525
• ἀποκατάστασις (apokatastasis) – restoration, restitution – The noun form emphasizing the state of being restored See G605
• θεραπεύω (therapeuo) – to heal, cure – Focuses specifically on healing aspect without the broader restoration concept See G2323
• ἀνακαινόω (anakainoo) – to renew, renovate – Emphasizes making new rather than restoring to original state See G341

Did you Know?

• The medical usage of ἀποκαθίστημι in ancient texts was so precise that modern medical terminology still reflects its influence – the term “catastasis” in medical literature refers to the return of a displaced body part to its normal position.
• In modern Greek, a derivative of ἀποκαθίστημι is still used in computer terminology to describe the restoration of files or systems to their original state, maintaining its core meaning of complete restoration across millennia.
• The concept behind ἀποκαθίστημι played a significant role in early Jewish-Christian debates about universalism, as some interpreted the “restoration of all things” to mean universal salvation, leading to important theological discussions about the nature of final restoration.

Remember This

ἀποκαθίστημι embodies the hope-filled truth that in God’s hands, complete restoration is not just possible – it’s promised.