Understanding ἀποκλείω (apokleio) Strong’s G608: The Divine Authority to Close and Exclude in Biblical Teaching

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-KLI-oh (where ‘kli’ rhymes with ‘fly’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G608: ἀποκλείω is a compound Greek verb that literally means “to shut out” or “to close off completely.” It carries the emphatic sense of definitive exclusion or separation, often implying authority in the act of closing. The word conveys both physical and metaphorical barriers that completely prevent access or entry.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (transitive)
• Compound word from ἀπό (away from) + κλείω (to shut, close)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Commonly used in legal and administrative contexts in classical Greek

ἀποκλείω Morphology:

• ἀποκλείω (present active indicative) – I shut out/close off
• ἀποκλείσῃ (aorist active subjunctive) – might shut out
• ἀποκλεισθῇ (aorist passive subjunctive) – might be shut out
• ἀποκλείσας (aorist active participle) – having shut out
• ἀπέκλεισεν (aorist active indicative) – he/she/it shut out

Origin & History

The word ἀποκλείω has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in military contexts to describe the act of blocking access to cities or strategic positions. Xenophon uses it in his “Anabasis” (1.1.6) to describe blocking military passages, while Thucydides employs it in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” to describe naval blockades.

In the Septuagint, ἀποκλείω appears in contexts of divine judgment and protection, notably in Judges 3:23 where Ehud “shut and locked” the doors. The term carries both literal and metaphorical significance in these contexts, often highlighting divine sovereignty in determining access or exclusion.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete closure or shutting out
• Authoritative exclusion
• Prevention of access
• Legal or administrative barrier
• Military blockade

ἀποκλείω Translation Options:

• “to shut out completely” – emphasizing the finality of the action
• “to close off” – focusing on the physical barrier aspect
• “to exclude” – highlighting the social or spiritual implications
• “to bar access” – emphasizing the authority behind the action
• “to lock out” – stressing the security aspect

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποκλείω appears most prominently in Luke 13:25, where it is used in Yeshua’s sobering teaching about the narrow door. This usage carries profound eschatological significance, depicting the master of the house who has final authority to close the door, marking a definitive end to the opportunity for entry.

The word’s limited usage in the New Testament makes its appearance particularly significant, especially given its context in Luke’s Gospel where it forms part of Yeshua’s teaching about salvation and judgment.

• “When once the master of the house has risen and shut [ἀποκλείσῃ] the door” Luke 13:25

Cultural Insights

In ancient Middle Eastern culture, the authority to close doors, particularly city gates, was a significant symbol of power and sovereignty. The person who controlled access to a city or house held tremendous authority over the community’s safety and membership. This cultural context adds depth to Yeshua’s use of ἀποκλείω in Luke 13:25, where He portrays Himself as the master with ultimate authority over entry into the Kingdom.

The concept also relates to ancient Jewish wedding customs, where the bridegroom would close the door once all invited guests had arrived, marking a definitive moment after which no one else could enter the celebration – a imagery Yeshua uses in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποκλείω in Luke’s Gospel carries profound theological implications about divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It emphasizes that Yahweh alone has the authority to grant or deny access to His Kingdom, highlighting both His justice and mercy. The finality of the action reminds us that there will be a definitive end to the opportunity for salvation.

This word powerfully illustrates the Messiah’s role as the one who holds “the keys of David” (Revelation 3:7), having ultimate authority over who enters the Kingdom. It underscores the urgency of responding to His invitation while the door remains open.

Personal Application

The use of ἀποκλείω in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder that our opportunities to respond to God’s invitation are not endless. Just as a door that is shut and locked cannot be opened from the outside, there will come a time when the opportunity for salvation closes. This should motivate us to respond to His calling with urgency and help others do the same.

This word also challenges us to examine our hearts regarding our own tendency to exclude others. While we recognize God’s sovereign right to close doors, we must ensure we’re not inappropriately closing doors that He wants open, particularly in our communities of faith.

Related Words

• κλείω (kleio) – to shut, to close – emphasizes the basic action without the intensified meaning of complete exclusion See G2808
• ἐγκλείω (enkleio) – to shut up, enclose – focuses on containment rather than exclusion See G1470
• συγκλείω (sugkleio) – to shut up together, enclose – emphasizes joint confinement See G4788
• ἀποκόπτω (apokopto) – to cut off – similar concept of separation but through cutting rather than closing See G609

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀπό in ἀποκλείω intensifies the meaning of the base word κλείω, emphasizing the completeness and finality of the closing action – much like adding a deadbolt to an already locked door.
• In modern Greek, ἀποκλείω is still used in legal contexts to describe exclusion from rights or privileges, maintaining its ancient connotation of authoritative exclusion.
• The word appears in ancient Greek medical texts to describe the blocking of bodily passages, showing its versatility in describing both literal and metaphorical barriers.

Remember This

ἀποκλείω reminds us that while Yahweh’s door of grace stands open today, there will come a time when that door closes definitively – making our response to His invitation a matter of eternal significance.