Understanding ἀπόχρησις (apochresis) Strong’s G671: The Destructive Nature of Worldly Regulations and Their Futility Against True Spiritual Growth

Pronunciation Guide: ap-okh’-ray-sis (ah-POH-kray-sis)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G671: ἀπόχρησις refers to the act of using something up completely or consuming something until it is exhausted or destroyed. In its biblical context, it specifically describes the ultimately destructive and futile nature of man-made religious regulations and ascetic practices that fail to bring about true spiritual transformation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Compound word from ἀπό (away from) + χρῆσις (use)
• Hapax legomenon (appears only once in New Testament)
• Used in didactic/teaching contexts
• Found in Classical Greek philosophical writings

ἀπόχρησις Morphology:

• ἀπόχρησις (nominative singular) – consumption, using up
• ἀποχρήσεως (genitive singular) – of consumption
• ἀποχρήσει (dative singular) – in/by consumption

Origin & History

The term ἀπόχρησις has roots in classical Greek philosophy where it was used to describe the complete consumption or exhaustion of resources or materials. Aristotle employed it in his “Meteorologica” when discussing the consumption of natural elements. The word gained particular significance in Stoic philosophy, where it described the process of using up material goods in pursuit of wisdom.

In Hellenistic literature, the word took on additional nuances related to the destructive aspects of consumption, particularly in contexts discussing futile pursuits or wasteful practices. This semantic development aligns closely with Paul’s usage in Colossians 2:22, where he critiques the destructive nature of legalistic religious practices.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete consumption or exhaustion of something
• Destructive or wasteful use
• Process of using up to the point of destruction
• Misuse leading to deterioration

ἀπόχρησις Translation Options:

• “Using up” – Emphasizes the process of consumption
• “Destruction through use” – Highlights the negative outcome
• “Perishing with use” – Captures both the process and result
• “Consumption unto destruction” – Conveys the complete meaning with theological implications

Biblical Usage

The sole New Testament occurrence of ἀπόχρησις appears in Colossians 2:22, where Paul employs it as part of his critique of ascetic practices and man-made religious regulations. The context is particularly significant as it forms part of Paul’s broader argument against the “philosophy and empty deceit” (Colossians 2:8) that threatened to undermine the Colossian believers’ faith in the sufficiency of the Messiah.

In the Septuagint, while the exact form ἀπόχρησις doesn’t appear, related forms of the root χρῆσις occur in contexts discussing proper and improper use of resources and religious practices.

• “Which all are to perish with using [ἀπόχρησις]” destined to perish through consumption Colossians 2:22

Cultural Insights

In the first-century context of Colossae, the city was a melting pot of various religious and philosophical traditions, including elements of Judaism, local Phrygian customs, and Greek philosophical schools. The use of ἀπόχρησις would have resonated particularly with those familiar with Stoic philosophy, where the concept of proper use versus destructive consumption was a significant theme.

The term carries echoes of the Hebrew concept of הֶבֶל (hevel), which appears throughout Ecclesiastes to describe the futility and temporary nature of worldly pursuits. This connection would have been especially meaningful to Jewish readers familiar with both Greek and Hebrew traditions.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπόχρησις in Colossians serves as a powerful theological statement about the futility of man-made religious regulations and their inability to produce genuine spiritual transformation. Paul employs this term to emphasize that these practices, far from leading to spiritual growth, actually result in spiritual deterioration and destruction.

This word choice reinforces the central message of Colossians: that true spiritual life and growth come only through union with the Messiah, not through human regulations or ascetic practices. It underscores the sufficiency of Jesus and the futility of adding human requirements to His completed work.

Personal Application

In our modern context, ἀπόχρησις serves as a powerful reminder to examine our own religious practices and motivations. Are we relying on external rules and regulations that ultimately lead to spiritual exhaustion, or are we finding our life and growth in intimate relationship with the Messiah?

This word challenges us to consider whether our spiritual practices are life-giving expressions of faith in Jesus or destructive attempts at self-righteousness that ultimately lead to spiritual depletion.

Related Words

• χρῆσις (chresis) – use, employment – Shows the basic concept of usage without the destructive element. See G5540
• καταχράομαι (katachraomai) – to use up, consume entirely – Similar intensity but without the specific religious connotations. See G2710
• φθορά (phthora) – corruption, destruction – Shares the concept of deterioration and destruction. See G5356
• ματαιότης (mataiotes) – vanity, futility – Captures the futile nature of the practices described. See G3153

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀπό in ἀπόχρησις often carries the idea of completion or finality, suggesting not just use but use to the point of complete exhaustion or destruction. This adds depth to Paul’s critique of legalistic practices.
• In ancient Greek medical texts, forms of ἀπόχρησις were used to describe the consumption of medicines or treatments that would be used up in the healing process. Paul may have been drawing on this imagery to show how religious regulations, unlike true medicine, consume without healing.
• Modern Greek still uses the related verb αποχρώ (apochro) to mean “to be sufficient” or “to be enough,” showing how the concept of complete use has evolved in the language.

Remember This

ἀπόχρησις stands as a powerful reminder that man-made religious regulations, rather than leading to spiritual growth, ultimately consume and destroy, pointing us instead to the life-giving sufficiency of the Messiah.