Understanding ἀπολείπω (apoleipō) Strong’s G620: The Strategic Act of Leaving Behind that Reveals Divine Providence

Pronunciation Guide: ap-ol-i’-po

Basic Definition

Strong’s G620: ἀπολείπω (apoleipō) conveys the deliberate act of leaving something or someone behind, often with strategic purpose or divine intent. It combines the preposition ἀπό (away from) with λείπω (to leave), creating a compound word that implies purposeful separation. This word carries nuances of both physical departure and the calculated decision to entrust items or responsibilities to others.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (from, away from) + λείπω (to leave, abandon)
• Primary usage in narrative and epistolary literature
• Found in both active and passive voices
• Classical Greek origin with consistent usage through Koine period
• Frequently used in legal and administrative contexts

ἀπολείπω Morphology:

• ἀπολείπω (present active indicative) – I leave behind
• ἀπέλιπον (aorist active indicative) – I left behind
• ἀπολείπεται (present passive indicative) – it is left behind/remains
• ἀπολιπών (aorist active participle) – having left behind
• ἀπολειφθῆναι (aorist passive infinitive) – to be left behind

Origin & History

The word ἀπολείπω has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Herodotus employed it in his Histories to describe military strategies where supplies or troops were deliberately left in specific locations. In the Septuagint, it appears in contexts of divine providence, such as in 1 Kings 19:18, where Yahweh speaks of leaving a remnant of faithful followers.

Plutarch used ἀπολείπω in his biographical works to describe instances where leaders would strategically leave behind resources or personnel for future use. This usage reflects the word’s connotation of purposeful planning rather than mere abandonment.

In early church father literature, Clement of Rome employs ἀπολείπω in his First Epistle to the Corinthians when discussing apostolic succession and the leaving behind of established church practices for future generations.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Strategic separation with purpose or intent
• Deliberate placement of items for future use
• Remaining or being left over as part of a plan
• Entrusting possessions or responsibilities to others

ἀπολείπω Translation Options:

• “Leave behind” – Best captures the intentional nature of the action
• “Entrust” – Appropriate when emphasizing the care taken in leaving something
• “Reserve” – Useful when highlighting future purpose
• “Remain” – Suitable for passive forms indicating what continues to exist
• “Set aside” – Helpful when conveying intentional preservation

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀπολείπω appears most prominently in pastoral contexts where material possessions or responsibilities are deliberately left in trusted hands. The first appearance in 2 Timothy 4:13 showcases Paul’s strategic thinking in leaving his cloak and scrolls with Carpus at Troas.

The word carries theological weight in Hebrews 4:6-9, where it describes God’s promise of rest that still remains for His people. This usage demonstrates how ἀπολείπω can convey both physical and spiritual realities.

Key appearances include:

• “The cloak that I left [ἀπέλιπον] with Carpus at Troas” 2 Timothy 4:13
• “There remains [ἀπολείπεται] therefore a Sabbath rest” Hebrews 4:9
• “For this reason I left [ἀπέλιπόν] you in Crete” Titus 1:5

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the act of leaving items with trusted friends or associates was a common practice among travelers. Merchant storehouses in major ports like Troas served as secure locations where valuable possessions could be left behind for later retrieval. This cultural practice illuminates Paul’s confidence in leaving his precious scrolls and cloak with Carpus.

The concept also relates to the Hebrew notion of שָׁאַר (sha’ar), which describes a remnant preserved by divine providence. This connection helps explain why the author of Hebrews chose ἀπολείπω to describe God’s preserved promise of rest.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of ἀπολείπω reveal God’s sovereign care in preservation and provision. When Paul leaves his belongings behind, we see not just practical travel arrangements but a picture of God’s providence working through human relationships and planning.

In Hebrews, the word takes on eschatological significance, showing how God’s promises remain steadfast through time. The passive form ἀπολείπεται emphasizes divine agency – it is God who ensures that His promised rest remains available for His people.

This word also reflects the missional strategy of the early church, where leaders like Paul would deliberately leave behind trained workers to continue the ministry, trusting in God’s ongoing work through human instruments.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπολείπω challenges us to view our own acts of “leaving behind” through a providential lens. Whether we’re entrusting resources to others or facing separation from loved ones, we can trust that God’s purpose often works through such strategic separations.

The word reminds us that what we leave behind – whether material possessions, spiritual teachings, or leadership responsibilities – can be part of God’s greater plan for building His Kingdom. This understanding brings peace when we must leave things or people in others’ care, knowing that God’s providence oversees all such separations.

Related Words

• καταλείπω (kataleipō) – to leave behind completely, abandon – Emphasizes finality of separation. See G2641
• παραλείπω (paraleipō) – to leave aside, omit – Focuses on intentional omission. See G3935
• ὑπολείπω (hypoleipō) – to leave remaining – Emphasizes what survives or remains. See G5275
• προλείπω (proleipō) – to leave beforehand – Indicates advance planning in leaving. See G4277

Did you Know?

• The practice of leaving scrolls and valuable items with trusted friends was so common in the ancient world that major cities had professional scroll-keepers who would safeguard documents for travelers.
• In ancient Greek military strategy, ἀπολείπω was a technical term for leaving behind strategic reserves of supplies or troops, showing that the word often carried connotations of purposeful planning rather than mere abandonment.
• The word’s use in Hebrews 4:9 about God’s rest “remaining” connects to the Jewish concept of מְנוּחָה (menuchah), the perfect rest that awaits God’s people, showing how Greek and Hebrew theological concepts interweaved in early Christian writing.

Remember This

ἀπολείπω reminds us that what appears to be left behind in our lives may actually be strategically placed by God’s providential hand for future purpose and blessing.