Understanding ἀπολύω (apoluo) Strong’s G630: The Divine Act of Release that Reveals God’s Mercy and Justice

Pronunciation Guide: ah-pol-OO-oh (where ‘oo’ sounds like ‘new’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G630: ἀπολύω (apoluo) fundamentally means to release, set free, or send away. It carries the notion of liberating from a bond, obligation, or penalty, whether in legal, social, or personal contexts. This word encompasses both the authority to release and the act of setting free, making it rich in both judicial and relational implications.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound word formed from ἀπό (apo, “from”) + λύω (luo, “to loose, untie”)
• Verb (transitive)
• Primary usage in narrative and legal contexts
• Frequent occurrence in both classical and Koine Greek
• Common in both literal and metaphorical contexts

ἀπολύω Morphology:

• ἀπολύω (present active indicative) – I release/dismiss
• ἀπολύσω (future active indicative) – I will release
• ἀπέλυσα (aorist active indicative) – I released
• ἀπολέλυκα (perfect active indicative) – I have released
• ἀπολυθῆναι (aorist passive infinitive) – to be released
• ἀπολύσας (aorist active participle) – having released
• ἀπολελυμένη (perfect passive participle) – having been released

Origin & History

The term ἀπολύω emerges from classical Greek legal and social contexts, where it was commonly used in official documents for the formal dissolution of contracts, marriage bonds, or legal obligations. Xenophon employs it in his “Anabasis” (7.1.4) to describe the dismissal of troops, while Plato uses it in “Republic” (361c) in the context of release from accusations.

In the Septuagint, ἀπολύω appears frequently in legal and ceremonial contexts, particularly in Leviticus and Numbers, where it describes the dismissal of assemblies and the release of people from various obligations. The term gained additional significance in Jewish divorce law, where it became the technical term for the legal dissolution of marriage, as reflected in the Greek translation of Deuteronomy 24:1-4.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To release or set free from bondage or obligation
• To dismiss or send away (in various contexts)
• To grant permission to depart
• To divorce or dissolve a marriage bond
• To acquit or release from accusation

ἀπολύω Translation Options:

• Release – Best captures the basic sense of setting free
• Dismiss – Appropriate for contexts involving authority
• Send away – Useful for neutral contexts of departure
• Divorce – Specific to marriage contexts
• Let go – Suitable for informal release contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀπολύω appears in various significant contexts, with its first appearance in Matthew 1:19 where Joseph considers “quietly divorcing” Mary. The word carries particular weight in judicial contexts, as seen in Pilate’s interaction with Jesus, and in marriage discussions, reflecting both legal and relational dimensions of release.

The term’s usage often reveals a tension between human authority to release and divine authority, particularly evident in the gospel narratives of Jesus’ trial. Its application ranges from the dismissal of crowds (Matthew 14:15) to the dissolution of marriage (Matthew 19:3) and the release of prisoners (Acts 4:21).

Notable appearances include:

• “Joseph…resolved to divorce her quietly [ἀπολύω]” Matthew 1:19
• “He wished to release [ἀπολύω] Him” Luke 23:20
• “Send the crowd away [ἀπολύω]” Mark 6:36
• “Whoever divorces [ἀπολύω] his wife” Matthew 5:31
• “And they released them [ἀπολύω]” Acts 4:21

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish culture, ἀπολύω held particular significance in the context of marriage and divorce. The term became the standard Greek translation for the Hebrew phrase “write a certificate of divorce” (sefer keritut). This technical usage reflected the Jewish legal requirement that divorce be accomplished through a formal written document (get), protecting the rights of the divorced woman and ensuring the legitimacy of the dissolution.

The word’s use in the trial of Jesus reveals fascinating insights into Roman judicial procedure, where the governor had the authority to ἀπολύω (release) a prisoner during festivals. This practice, known as privilegium paschale, demonstrates how the term operated at the intersection of Jewish religious practice and Roman legal authority.

Theological Significance

The various uses of ἀπολύω in Scripture reveal profound theological truths about God’s character and His dealings with humanity. In the context of marriage and divorce, Jesus’ teaching using this term (Matthew 19:3-9) reveals God’s heart for covenant faithfulness and His original design for marriage, while acknowledging human hardness of heart that necessitated provisions for divorce under the Law.

The judicial use of ἀπολύω in Jesus’ trial narratives presents a powerful picture of divine sovereignty working through human choices. While Pilate had the authority to “release” Jesus, the Father’s plan of redemption required that the Son not be “released” but rather give Himself as a ransom for many. This paradox highlights how God’s justice and mercy meet in the cross – while Jesus was not “released” from His sacrificial mission, His death and resurrection provide eternal “release” for those who trust in Him.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπολύω challenges us to consider both our response to God’s release of us from sin’s bondage and our responsibility in releasing others. When we grasp that we have been released from the greatest debt imaginable through the Messiah’s sacrifice, it should transform how we handle situations where we have the authority or opportunity to release others – whether from debt, obligation, or offense.

This word also calls us to carefully consider our approach to marriage and divorce. While recognizing that God permits divorce in certain circumstances, the high view of marriage expressed in Jesus’ teaching on ἀπολύω encourages us to work toward reconciliation and preservation of marriage bonds whenever possible, reflecting God’s faithful covenant love.

Related Words

• λύω (luo) – to loose, untie, destroy – Similar root meaning of releasing but without the specific directionality of ἀπό. See G3089
• ἐλευθερόω (eleutheroo) – to set free, liberty – Emphasizes the state of freedom rather than the act of release. See G1659
• ἀφίημι (aphiemi) – to send away, forgive – Similar concept but with stronger emphasis on forgiveness. See G863
• χαρίζομαι (charizomai) – to freely give, forgive – Adds the element of grace to the concept of release. See G5483

Did you Know?

• The Greek term ἀπολύω became so closely associated with divorce in Jewish culture that it could be used as a technical legal term without any additional explanation needed in divorce contexts.
• In modern Greek, ἀπολύω is still used in legal contexts, particularly in the phrase “το δικαστήριο απέλυσε” meaning “the court dismissed/acquitted,” maintaining its ancient judicial connotations.
• The compound structure of ἀπολύω (ἀπό + λύω) creates a vivid picture of release that moves away from a starting point, suggesting not just untying but sending away – a nuance that enriches our understanding of both its divorce and dismissal contexts.

Remember This

ἀπολύω embodies the profound truth that genuine release – whether from sin, obligation, or bondage – requires both the authority to loose and the wisdom to direct that freedom toward God’s purposes.