Understanding ἀποστερέω (apostereo) Strong’s G650: The Biblical Concept of Defrauding and Divine Justice

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-ste-REH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G650: ἀποστερέω (apostereo) means to defraud, deprive, or withhold what rightfully belongs to another. It carries the sense of taking away by deception or withholding what is due, especially in matters of wages, rights, or property. The word implies both the act of depriving and the moral wrong of defrauding others of their rightful due.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Infinitive)
• Compound word from ἀπό (away from) + στερέω (to deprive)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in legal and ethical contexts
• Appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts

ἀποστερέω Morphology:

• ἀποστερέω (present active infinitive) – to defraud
• ἀποστερεῖ (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she defrauds
• ἀποστερήσῃς (aorist active subjunctive, 2nd person singular) – you might defraud
• ἀπεστέρηται (perfect passive indicative, 3rd person singular) – has been defrauded
• ἀποστερεῖσθε (present passive indicative, 2nd person plural) – you are being defrauded

Origin & History

The word ἀποστερέω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in legal contexts. Plato employs it in “The Republic” when discussing justice and the withholding of what is due to others. In the Septuagint, it appears in contexts of social justice, particularly in the prophetic literature condemning those who withhold wages from workers.

The term gained particular significance in Hellenistic Jewish literature, where it was used to translate Hebrew concepts related to oppression and fraudulent behavior. Philo of Alexandria uses it extensively in his writings about ethical conduct, particularly in “On the Special Laws” when discussing proper business practices and social justice.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To deprive someone of what is rightfully theirs through deceptive means
• To withhold payment or compensation that is due
• To rob or steal through fraud rather than force
• To cheat or take advantage of someone’s trust

ἀποστερέω Translation Options:

• Defraud – Best captures the element of deception and moral wrong
• Deprive – Appropriate when emphasizing the loss suffered
• Withhold – Useful when focusing on the action of keeping back what is due
• Rob – Effective when emphasizing the violation of rights, though lacks the specific nuance of deception

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποστερέω appears primarily in contexts dealing with ethical behavior and social justice. Its first appearance in Mark 10:19 comes as part of Yeshua’s recitation of the commandments, where He adds “do not defraud” to the traditional list, emphasizing the importance of financial and social ethics in His kingdom.

The apostle Paul uses this term powerfully in his letters to address both personal and community ethics. It appears in discussions of marriage relationships and business dealings, showing its relevance to both personal and public spheres of life.

• “You know the commandments… Do not defraud [ἀποστερήσῃς]” Mark 10:19
• “But you yourselves wrong and defraud [ἀποστερεῖτε]” 1 Corinthians 6:8
• “Do not deprive [ἀποστερεῖτε] one another” 1 Corinthians 7:5
• “The wages of the laborers… which have been kept back by fraud [ἀπεστερημένος]” James 5:4

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, defrauding often occurred through manipulated weights and measures in the marketplace. Merchants might use heavier weights when buying and lighter weights when selling, effectively defrauding both buyers and sellers. This practice was so common that the Torah specifically addresses it in multiple passages, showing God’s concern for honest business practices.

The concept of ἀποστερέω was particularly relevant in the context of day laborers, who depended on daily wages for survival. The cultural practice of paying workers at sunset was not merely a convention but a matter of survival, as many workers lived day to day. This understanding adds weight to James’s stern warning against those who withhold wages.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποστερέω in Scripture reveals God’s heart for justice and His particular concern for those vulnerable to exploitation. It appears in contexts that show יהוה (Yahweh) as the defender of the oppressed and the guarantor of justice. This word helps us understand that God views economic exploitation not merely as a social problem but as a serious moral offense against His character and law.

The fact that Yeshua includes “do not defraud” alongside the traditional commandments in Mark’s Gospel elevates the significance of this concept in New Covenant ethics. It demonstrates that the Messiah views economic justice as fundamental to kingdom living, not peripheral to it.

This word also appears in discussions of marriage relationships in 1 Corinthians, showing that the principle of not defrauding extends beyond financial matters to all aspects of covenant relationships. This reveals God’s concern for justice and proper treatment in all human interactions, whether public or private.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποστερέω challenges us to examine our own lives for ways we might be withholding what rightfully belongs to others. This could include obvious financial matters like fair payment for services, but also extends to less tangible areas like withholding recognition, appreciation, or emotional support in relationships.

In our modern context, this word prompts us to consider how we might be participating in systems that defraud others, whether through unfair business practices, exploitation of workers, or even through thoughtless consumption of goods produced through unjust means. It calls us to active participation in God’s justice rather than passive acceptance of worldly systems.

Related Words

• συλάω (sulao) – to plunder or rob forcefully, focusing on violent taking rather than deception. Differs from ἀποστερέω in its emphasis on force rather than fraud. See G4813
• κλέπτω (klepto) – to steal secretly, emphasizing stealth rather than the abuse of trust found in ἀποστερέω. See G2813
• ἁρπάζω (harpazo) – to seize or snatch away, focusing on sudden taking rather than sustained deprivation. See G726
• πλεονεκτέω (pleonekteo) – to take advantage of, emphasizing greed and exploitation. See G4122

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀποστερέω was so significant in ancient Jewish law that courts could force restitution of fraudulently obtained goods at up to five times their original value, demonstrating the seriousness with which fraud was viewed.
• The word appears in ancient Greek marriage contracts, where it was used to protect the rights of both parties, showing its importance in protecting covenant relationships.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of this word in legal contexts, particularly in cases of fraud and embezzlement, maintaining its connection to issues of justice and ethical behavior.

Remember This

ἀποστερέω reminds us that God’s justice extends to every aspect of life, and that defrauding others – whether financially, emotionally, or spiritually – is a serious offense against both human dignity and divine law.