Understanding ἀποχωρέω (apochōreō) Strong’s G672: The Profound Act of Departing from God’s Presence

Pronunciation Guide: ap-okh-o-reh’-o (ah-po-kho-REH-oh)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G672: ἀποχωρέω denotes a deliberate act of withdrawal, departure, or separation. In its New Testament usage, it often carries the weighty connotation of departing from a spiritual presence or authority, particularly in contexts involving separation from God’s presence or His divine purposes. The word combines the ideas of movement away from (ἀπό) with making room or giving space (χωρέω).

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound word formed from ἀπό (away from) + χωρέω (to make room, withdraw)
• Verb used primarily in narrative and teaching passages
• Classical Greek origin with continued usage in Koine Greek
• Found in both literal and metaphorical contexts
• Primary usage in declarations of judgment or warning

ἀποχωρέω Morphology:

• ἀποχωρέω (present active indicative) – I withdraw/depart
• ἀποχωρεῖτε (present active imperative, 2nd person plural) – you depart/withdraw!
• ἀποχωρήσατε (aorist active imperative, 2nd person plural) – depart!/withdraw! (command)
• ἀποχωρήσας (aorist active participle, nominative masculine singular) – having departed

Origin & History

The word ἀποχωρέω has roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in military contexts to describe tactical retreats or the withdrawal of forces from battle. Xenophon employs it in his “Anabasis” to describe the retreat of the Ten Thousand. In the Septuagint (LXX), it appears in 1 Maccabees 7:24 describing Bacchides’ withdrawal from Jerusalem.

In Hellenistic literature, the term evolved to encompass both physical and metaphorical withdrawal. Josephus uses it in “Jewish Antiquities” to describe both military movements and personal departures from authority or presence. This semantic range carried forward into New Testament usage, where it gained additional theological significance.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Physical departure or withdrawal from a location
• Spiritual separation or estrangement from divine presence
• Strategic retreat or removal of oneself
• Abandonment of a position or relationship

ἀποχωρέω Translation Options:

• “Depart” – Best captures the finality of the action, especially in judgment contexts
• “Withdraw” – Emphasizes the voluntary nature of the separation
• “Go away” – Suitable for less formal contexts but may understate the gravity
• “Remove oneself” – Highlights the active agency of the subject
• “Retreat” – Appropriate for strategic or tactical contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποχωρέω appears at pivotal moments where spiritual separation is emphasized. Its first and most sobering usage occurs in Matthew 7:23, where Jesus declares to false professors, “Depart [ἀποχωρεῖτε] from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” This sets a profound theological precedent for the word’s usage in contexts of divine judgment.

The term also appears in contexts of physical departure, but often with spiritual undertones. Luke employs it to describe movements that have theological significance, such as the departure of angels or the withdrawal of people from confrontational situations with spiritual implications.

Key Biblical References:

• “Depart [ἀποχωρεῖτε] from Me, all you workers of iniquity.” Matthew 7:23
• “And it happened that the angel departed [ἀπεχώρησεν] from her.” Luke 1:38
• “And he departed [ἀποχωρήσας] and discussed with the chief priests.” Luke 22:4

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of departing from God’s presence carried profound implications rooted in the Temple theology. The Holy of Holies represented God’s dwelling place, and being cast out from His presence was considered the ultimate judgment. This understanding illuminates the gravity of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:23.

The word also reflects the Jewish concept of herem (חרם) – complete separation or banishment from the community and God’s presence. This cultural background adds layers of meaning to ἀποχωρέω when used in contexts of spiritual judgment.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποχωρέω in Matthew 7:23 reveals a crucial aspect of God’s character – His perfect holiness that necessitates separation from unrighteousness. This separation isn’t merely physical but represents a fundamental spiritual reality. The word emphasizes that departure from God’s presence is not merely a passive drifting away but an active removal based on one’s relationship with His righteousness.

This word also highlights the sovereignty of God in judgment. When He commands “depart,” it is both a declaration and an action. It reminds us that while God is infinitely loving, He is also perfectly just, and there will be a final separation between those who truly know Him and those who don’t.

Personal Application

The sobering usage of ἀποχωρέω in Matthew 7:23 calls us to serious self-examination. It prompts us to ask: Are we truly walking in relationship with the Messiah, or are we merely going through religious motions? The word challenges us to ensure our faith is genuine and transformative, not just performative.

Moreover, understanding this word should inspire us to share the Gospel with urgency, knowing the eternal significance of separation from God’s presence. It reminds us to walk in genuine relationship with Him, allowing His Spirit to transform us from within.

Related Words

• μακρύνω (makrynō) – to put at a distance, remove far away. Often used for emotional or spiritual distance. See G3193
• χωρίζω (chōrizō) – to separate, divide, depart. Emphasizes the act of separation itself. See G5563
• ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi) – to withdraw, remove, depart. Implies revolt or desertion. See G868
• ἀναχωρέω (anachōreō) – to return, depart, withdraw. Often used for strategic withdrawal. See G402

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀπο- in ἀποχωρέω is the same prefix found in apocalypse (ἀποκάλυψις), suggesting a complete or definitive action. In both cases, it indicates something final or decisive.
• In modern Greek, ἀποχωρέω has evolved to mean “retire” or “withdraw from service,” maintaining its core meaning of separation but in a more administrative context.
• The word appears in ancient Greek medical texts to describe the withdrawal of symptoms or the recession of disease, showing its versatility in describing various types of departure or separation.

Remember This

ἀποχωρέω stands as a profound reminder that our relationship with God has eternal consequences – it’s not just about where we go, but from Whose presence we depart.