Understanding ἀποκατάστασις (apokatastasis) Strong’s G605: The Divine Promise of Universal Restoration and Cosmic Renewal

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-kah-TAH-sta-sis

Basic Definition

Strong’s G605: A compound word meaning complete restoration or restitution, specifically referring to the restoration of a perfect state of things. In biblical usage, it particularly denotes the restoration of all things prophesied by the holy prophets, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purposes in creation. This term carries profound eschatological significance in both Jewish and early Christian thought.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Compound of ἀπό (apo, “from”) + καθίστημι (kathistēmi, “to set in order”)
• Primary usage in prophetic and eschatological contexts
• Rare word in New Testament (hapax legomenon)
• Common in philosophical and medical literature

ἀποκατάστασις Morphology:

• ἀποκατάστασις (nominative singular) – restoration
• ἀποκαταστάσεως (genitive singular) – of restoration
• ἀποκαταστάσει (dative singular) – in/with restoration
• ἀποκατάστασιν (accusative singular) – restoration (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἀποκατάστασις has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was used in astronomical contexts to describe the return of planets to their original positions. Hippocrates employed it in medical writings to describe the restoration of health after illness. In the Septuagint, while the exact noun form is not present, related verbal forms appear in prophetic contexts, particularly in discussions of Israel’s restoration.

The philosophical schools, especially the Stoics, used ἀποκατάστασις to describe their concept of cosmic cycles and the eventual return of all things to their original state. However, the biblical usage transforms this concept into a teleological understanding of God’s redemptive purposes.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete restoration to an original or perfect state
• Universal reconstitution of the cosmic order
• Reestablishment of divine harmony
• Fulfillment of prophetic promises
• Return to divinely intended conditions

ἀποκατάστασις Translation Options:

• “Restoration” – Emphasizes the return to original condition
• “Restitution” – Highlights the making right of what was wrong
• “Universal restoration” – Captures the cosmic scope
• “Complete renewal” – Emphasizes the thoroughness of the process
• “Reconstitution” – Reflects the structural reorganization implied

Biblical Usage

The noun ἀποκατάστασις appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 3:21, where Peter speaks of the “restoration of all things” prophesied by God’s holy prophets. However, related verbal forms appear in several significant contexts:

• “Until the time of universal restoration [ἀποκατάστασις] of all things” Acts 3:21
• “Elijah comes first and restores [ἀποκαθίστημι] all things” Mark 9:12
• “Lord, will You at this time restore [ἀποκαθίστημι] the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6
• “Let it be restored [ἀποκατεστάθη] as the other” Matthew 12:13

Cultural Insights

In Second Temple Judaism, the concept of restoration was deeply connected to the messianic hope and the prophetic promises of יהוה (Yahweh). The term tikkun olam (תיקון עולם), “repairing the world,” shares conceptual overlap with ἀποκατάστασις, reflecting the Jewish understanding of restoration as both cosmic and practical.

The early rabbis spoke of the yemot ha-Mashiach (Days of the Messiah) as a time when all creation would be restored to its Edenic state. This understanding illuminates Peter’s use of ἀποκατάστασις in his sermon at Solomon’s Portico, where he connects the concept to both the fulfillment of prophetic promises and the Messianic age inaugurated by Yeshua.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀποκατάστασις presents a magnificent vision of God’s ultimate purposes for creation. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of divine restoration that encompasses not just individual salvation but the renewal of all creation. This aligns with Paul’s teaching in Romans 8:19-22 about creation’s eager expectation for liberation.

The term carries profound implications for understanding God’s character. It reveals Him as the God who not only creates but restores, who brings completion to His purposes despite human failure and cosmic disorder. This restoration is not merely a return to a previous state but an elevation to something even more glorious—the new creation in the Messiah.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποκατάστασις challenges believers to view their personal transformation within the broader context of God’s cosmic restoration project. Just as He promises to restore all things, He is at work restoring every aspect of our lives—relationships, purpose, and identity.

This truth invites us to participate in God’s restoration work now, being agents of renewal in our spheres of influence while anticipating the ultimate restoration at the Messiah’s return. It provides hope in times of brokenness, reminding us that no situation is beyond God’s restorative power.

Related Words

• ἀνακαίνωσις (anakainōsis) [an-ak-AH-ee-no-sis] – renewal, renovation; emphasizes the qualitative newness of the restoration See G342
• παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia) [pal-ing-ghen-es-EE-ah] – regeneration, rebirth; focuses on the new beginning aspect See G3824
• ἀποκαθίστημι (apokathistēmi) [ap-ok-ath-IS-tay-mee] – to restore, bring back; the verbal form of our word See G600
• ἀνόρθωσις (anorthōsis) [an-OR-tho-sis] – straightening up, restoration; emphasizes correction of what was wrong See G3791

Did you Know?

• The medical writer Galen used ἀποκατάστασις to describe the complete recovery of patients to full health, providing a powerful metaphor for understanding God’s healing work in creation.
• The term was so significant in early Christian thought that Origen of Alexandria used it to develop his controversial doctrine of universal restoration, though his interpretation went beyond the biblical usage.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀποκατάστασις in medical and technical contexts, particularly in rehabilitation and restoration projects, carrying forward its ancient connotation of complete restoration.

Remember This

ἀποκατάστασις encapsulates God’s grand promise that everything broken will be restored, everything lost will be recovered, and everything marred by sin will be renewed through the Messiah’s redemptive work.