Understanding ἀποστασία (apostasia) Strong’s G646: The Great Falling Away that Precedes the Day of the Lord

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-stah-SEE-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G646: ἀποστασία (apostasia) refers to a deliberate and active defection, revolt, or abandonment of a previously held position, belief, or commitment. In biblical usage, it specifically denotes a willful falling away from the true faith, marking a decisive break from previously held religious convictions. The term carries strong connotations of rebellion against established authority and truth.

Etymology and Morphology

• Feminine noun derived from compound of ἀπό (apo, “away from”) and στάσις (stasis, “standing”)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Rare in New Testament, appearing only twice
• Prominent in Second Temple Jewish literature
• Used in political and religious contexts

ἀποστασία Morphology:

• ἀποστασία (nominative singular) – defection, revolt
• ἀποστασίας (genitive singular) – of defection/revolt
• ἀποστασίᾳ (dative singular) – in/by defection/revolt

Origin & History

The term ἀποστασία has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it originally described political revolt or rebellion against established authority. Polybius used it to describe political insurgency, while Plutarch employed it to denote military rebellion. In the Septuagint, it gained religious significance, particularly in Joshua 22:22, where it describes rebellion against Yahweh.

The intertestamental period saw increased usage in Jewish literature. The books of Maccabees frequently employ ἀποστασία to describe Jews abandoning their ancestral faith under Hellenistic pressure. Josephus, in “Antiquities of the Jews,” uses it to describe both political rebellion and religious apostasy.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A deliberate abandonment of previously held religious beliefs
• Active rebellion against established spiritual authority
• Willful rejection of known truth
• Defection from a community of faith

ἀποστασία Translation Options:

• “Apostasy” – Captures the religious nature but may be too technical for modern readers
• “Falling away” – Emphasizes the gradual nature of the process
• “Rebellion” – Highlights the active resistance aspect
• “Defection” – Underscores the voluntary departure from truth
• “Abandonment of faith” – Most accessible to modern readers while maintaining meaning

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποστασία appears in contexts warning of serious spiritual danger. Its first appearance in Acts 21:21 addresses accusations against Paul teaching Jews to “forsake” (ἀποστασία) Moses’ teachings. The term’s most significant usage occurs in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, where it describes a great falling away preceding the Day of the Lord.

The Septuagint employs ἀποστασία more frequently, particularly in historical narratives describing Israel’s rebellion against Yahweh. This usage established the framework for its New Testament theological significance.

Key Biblical References:

• “teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake [ἀποστασίαν] Moses” Acts 21:21
• “for that Day will not come unless the falling away [ἀποστασία] comes first” 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Cultural Insights

In first-century Judaism, ἀποστασία carried particularly heavy connotations due to historical trauma. The Maccabean revolt was triggered by Jewish apostasy under Hellenistic pressure, leading to the desecration of the Temple. This historical context made accusations of teaching ἀποστασία especially serious in Jewish communities.

The term also reflected the Roman political context, where defection from emperor worship could bring severe consequences. Early believers faced pressure to commit ἀποστασία from both their Jewish roots and Roman imperial demands, making the warnings against it particularly relevant.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀποστασία reveals crucial aspects of God’s character and human responsibility. It demonstrates that genuine faith can be abandoned, highlighting human free will and responsibility. However, it also reveals God’s faithfulness in preserving a remnant even in times of widespread defection, as seen throughout Israel’s history.

The warning of a great ἀποστασία before the Messiah’s return serves multiple purposes. It alerts believers to maintain vigilance, demonstrates God’s sovereignty in using even rebellion to fulfill His purposes, and reveals His mercy in warning His people beforehand.

The severity with which Scripture treats ἀποστασία underscores the seriousness of deliberately rejecting truth once embraced. This reflects both God’s holiness and His deep desire for genuine, persevering faith among His people.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποστασία calls believers to serious self-examination and vigilance. Apostasy rarely happens suddenly; it typically begins with small compromises that gradually lead away from truth. This understanding should motivate us to guard our hearts, maintain strong community connections, and regularly renew our commitment to walking in truth.

Furthermore, recognizing the reality of ἀποστασία should increase our compassion for those struggling with doubt and our commitment to lovingly restore those who have strayed, while maintaining firm adherence to truth ourselves.

Related Words

• παράπτωμα (paraptōma, pah-RAP-toe-mah) – A false step or trespass, suggesting unintentional falling rather than deliberate rebellion See G3900
• παράβασις (parabasis, pah-RAH-bah-sis) – Transgression or violation of law, emphasizing crossing a known boundary See G3847
• σκάνδαλον (skandalon, SKAN-dah-lon) – A stumbling block or offense that might lead to apostasy See G4625
• πλάνη (planē, PLAH-nay) – Error or deception that can result in apostasy See G4106

Did you Know?

• The English word “apostasy” comes directly from ἀποστασία, one of relatively few Greek theological terms that entered English virtually unchanged.
• In modern Greek, ἀποστασία still carries strong connotations of rebellion and is used in both political and religious contexts, maintaining much of its ancient meaning.
• The concept of ἀποστασία played a crucial role in early church debates about whether those who had denied faith under persecution could be readmitted to fellowship, leading to significant theological developments about repentance and church discipline.

Remember This

ἀποστασία serves as a sobering reminder that genuine faith requires ongoing commitment and vigilance, while pointing to God’s faithfulness in preserving His people through times of widespread defection.