Understanding ἀποτινάσσω (apotinassō) Strong’s G660: The Prophetic Act of Shaking Off Dust as Kingdom Testimony

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-tee-NAS-so

Basic Definition

Strong’s G660: A compound verb meaning “to shake off” or “to remove by shaking.” This word carries the profound sense of complete removal or separation through a decisive physical action, often used in contexts of ceremonial or symbolic significance. The term implies both the physical act of shaking and the spiritual implications of severing connections or breaking associations.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (apo, “from, away from”) and τινάσσω (tinassō, “to shake, quake”)
• Primary usage in narrative sections, particularly in apostolic ministry contexts
• Appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts
• Classical Greek origin with continued usage in Koine period

ἀποτινάσσω Morphology:

• ἀποτινάσσω (present active indicative) – I shake off
• ἀποτινάξατε (aorist active imperative) – shake off!
• ἀποτιναξάμενος (aorist middle participle) – having shaken off
• ἀπετίναξαν (aorist active indicative) – they shook off

Origin & History

The verb τινάσσω appears in classical Greek literature as early as Homer, describing the shaking of weapons or natural phenomena. The compound form ἀποτινάσσω emerged later, found in Aristotle’s “Historia Animalium” when describing animals shaking off water. In the Septuagint, it appears in Judges 16:20, describing Samson’s attempt to “shake himself free” from his bonds.

The term gained particular significance in Jewish culture through its use in rabbinic literature, where shaking dust from one’s feet became a symbolic act of separation and judgment. This understanding influenced its New Testament usage, particularly in apostolic contexts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To shake off violently or thoroughly
• To remove completely through vigorous motion
• To reject or separate oneself from through symbolic action
• To cleanse oneself of unwanted associations

ἀποτινάσσω Translation Options:

• “Shake off” – Emphasizes the physical action and completeness of removal
• “Cast off” – Highlights the deliberate nature of the action
• “Remove by shaking” – Captures both the method and result
• “Vigorously dispose of” – Emphasizes the forceful nature of the action

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποτινάσσω appears most prominently in contexts of apostolic ministry and testimony. Its first appearance in Luke 9:5 establishes the pattern of its use as a prophetic act of testimony against those who reject the gospel message. The word carries both practical and symbolic significance, representing physical cleansing and spiritual separation.

This action becomes a powerful statement of divine judgment and personal disassociation from those who reject the message of the Kingdom. It appears in key moments of apostolic ministry where clear boundaries needed to be established.

Notable occurrences include:

• “Shake off [ἀποτινάσσω] the dust from your feet” Luke 9:5
• “They shook off [ἀποτινάσσω] the dust from their feet against them” Acts 13:51
• “He shook off [ἀποτινάσσω] the creature into the fire” Acts 28:5

Cultural Insights

The act of shaking dust from one’s feet held profound significance in Jewish culture. When Jews returned to the Holy Land from Gentile territories, they would shake the dust from their feet before crossing the border, symbolically removing all association with unclean lands. This cultural practice informed the Messiah’s instruction to His disciples, transforming it into a powerful testimony against those who rejected the gospel.

The practice also connected to the ancient Near Eastern concept of covenant responsibility. By shaking off dust, witnesses demonstrated they had fulfilled their obligation to share the truth, and any consequences now rested with those who heard and rejected it.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποτινάσσω in the New Testament reveals important aspects of God’s character and His dealings with humanity. It demonstrates His justice in providing clear warnings and testimonies to those who reject His message. The act of shaking off dust becomes a physical proclamation of spiritual truth, showing God’s desire for clear boundaries between acceptance and rejection of His Kingdom message.

This word also reveals the serious nature of gospel proclamation and the responsibility that comes with hearing God’s truth. It shows that rejection of the gospel message has consequences, while simultaneously demonstrating God’s mercy in providing clear warnings and opportunities for repentance.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀποτινάσσω, we gain insight into the importance of clear spiritual boundaries in our lives. Just as the apostles needed to physically demonstrate when their responsibility to proclaim truth was complete, we too must know when to move forward from situations where our testimony has been given and rejected.

This word challenges us to be both bold in our witness and wise in our response to rejection, remembering that our role is to faithfully proclaim truth while leaving the results to God.

Related Words

• ἐκτινάσσω (ektinassō) – to shake out or off completely, emphasizing thorough removal See G1621
• τινάσσω (tinassō) – to shake or quake, the root word focusing on the action itself See G5147
• ἀποτίθημι (apotithēmi) – to put away or lay aside, similar concept of removal but without the forceful action See G659
• ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi) – to withdraw or depart, sharing the concept of separation See G868

Did you Know?

• The symbolic act of shaking dust from one’s feet continues in modern Jewish practice when leaving cemeteries, representing a separation between the world of the living and the dead.
• In ancient times, the amount of dust on someone’s feet could indicate how far they had traveled to deliver a message, making the act of shaking it off particularly meaningful in the context of gospel proclamation.
• The same word is used in modern Greek to describe shaking water off an umbrella, maintaining its core meaning of removal through vigorous motion.

Remember This

ἀποτινάσσω embodies the powerful truth that faithful gospel proclamation requires both bold witness and clear boundaries, demonstrating that our responsibility is to deliver God’s message while leaving the response in His hands.