Understanding ἀποστάσιον (apostasion) Strong’s G647: The Biblical Certificate of Divorce and God’s Heart for Marriage

Pronunciation Guide: ap-os-tas’-ee-on

Basic Definition

Strong’s G647: A certificate of divorce; a legal document given by a husband to his wife to terminate their marriage according to Mosaic Law. This term specifically refers to the formal written document that made the dissolution of marriage official and protected the rights of the divorced wife in ancient Jewish society.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Derived from ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi, “to depart, withdraw”)
• Primary usage in legal and teaching contexts
• Found in both narrative Gospel accounts and doctrinal discussions
• Septuagint usage in deuteronomic law passages

ἀποστάσιον Morphology:

• ἀποστάσιον (nominative/accusative singular) – certificate of divorce
• ἀποστασίου (genitive singular) – of a certificate of divorce
• ἀποστασίῳ (dative singular) – with/by a certificate of divorce

Origin & History

The term ἀποστάσιον has its roots in Hellenistic legal terminology, where it was used broadly for various types of separation documents. In the Septuagint, it became the standard translation for the Hebrew phrase ספר כריתת (sefer keritut), literally “a document of cutting off” as found in Deuteronomy 24:1.

In the papyri of Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt, ἀποστάσιον appears in legal documents concerning property transfers and manumission of slaves (P.Oxy. 4.716). The word gained specific religious-legal significance in Jewish culture through its use in the Septuagint and subsequent rabbinic discussions about divorce procedures.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A legal document of divorce given by a husband to his wife
• An official certificate declaring the dissolution of marriage
• A written declaration of marriage termination with legal standing

ἀποστάσιον Translation Options:

• “Certificate of divorce” – Most precise translation capturing both the legal and documentary nature
• “Bill of divorcement” – Traditional rendering reflecting KJV language
• “Divorce papers” – Modern equivalent though less formal than the original implies
• “Letter of separation” – Emphasizes the documentary aspect but potentially understates legal force

Biblical Usage

The term ἀποστάσιον appears specifically in discussions of marriage and divorce in the New Testament, most notably in Yeshua’s teaching about divorce. Its limited usage makes each occurrence particularly significant for understanding both the legal and spiritual dimensions of marriage dissolution in biblical times.

The Messiah references this term when addressing the Pharisees’ interpretation of Mosaic Law regarding divorce, using it to point back to God’s original intent for marriage. The term bridges both the legal requirements of Torah and the spiritual principles that should govern marital relationships.

• “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce [ἀποστάσιον]” Matthew 5:31
• “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” (contextual discussion of ἀποστάσιον) Matthew 19:3
• “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce [ἀποστάσιον]?” Matthew 19:7
• “Moses permitted you to write a certificate of divorce [ἀποστάσιον]” Mark 10:4

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish society, the ἀποστάσιον served a crucial protective function for women. Without such a document, a divorced woman could be accused of adultery if she remarried, facing severe consequences. The certificate explicitly stated her freedom to remarry and protected her legal rights.

The process of writing an ἀποστάσιον was carefully regulated in Jewish law. The Mishnah (Gittin 9:3) specifies that it must be written specifically for the woman in question, with witnesses present, and using precise legal terminology. This rigorous process was intended to prevent hasty divorces and protect both parties’ rights.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀποστάσιον reveals both God’s accommodation to human hardness of heart and His protective care for vulnerable parties in broken relationships. While divorce was never part of His perfect plan, the requirement for a formal certificate provided essential protections and dignity to divorced women in ancient society.

This term appears at the intersection of God’s perfect standards and His merciful provision for human weakness. In Matthew 19:8, Yeshua uses the discussion of ἀποστάσιον to point back to God’s original design for marriage while acknowledging the reality of sin and its effects on human relationships.

The requirement for a formal ἀποστάσιον also reflects God’s character as a God of order and justice, ensuring that even in broken situations, there would be clear boundaries and protections for all parties involved.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποστάσιον helps us appreciate both the seriousness with which God views marriage and His compassionate provision for human brokenness. While we should always strive to maintain the sanctity of marriage, this term reminds us that God provides guidance and structure even in difficult situations.

For those dealing with divorce or ministering to divorced persons, this word study reminds us to balance grace and truth, understanding that while God hates divorce, He provides ways to handle broken situations with dignity and care for all involved.

Related Words

• γαμέω (gameō) – to marry, take in marriage See G1060
• χωρίζω (chōrizō) – to separate, divide, depart See G5563
• ἀφίημι (aphiēmi) – to send away, leave, forgive See G863
• λύω (luō) – to loose, unbind, break up See G3089

Did you Know?

• The traditional Jewish divorce certificate (get) still used today maintains many of the same formal requirements as the ancient ἀποστάσιον, showing the enduring influence of this biblical concept.
• Archaeological discoveries have found actual ancient divorce certificates written on pottery shards (ostraca) and papyri, providing physical evidence of how these documents were formatted and used in biblical times.
• The requirement for a written ἀποστάσιον was actually quite progressive for its time, as many ancient Near Eastern cultures allowed divorce simply by verbal declaration, leaving women without legal protection.

Remember This

ἀποστάσιον represents God’s protective provision within human brokenness, balancing justice with mercy while pointing to His perfect plan for marriage.