Understanding ἀπωθέω (apōtheō) Strong’s G683: The Greek Word for Forceful Rejection that Reveals the Profound Cost of Resisting God’s Truth

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-theh’-o (emphasis on ‘theh’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G683: ἀπωθέω (apōtheō) describes a forceful act of pushing away, rejecting, or repelling something or someone. This compound word carries the intense connotation of deliberately thrusting something aside with significant force or determination. In biblical usage, it often carries the spiritual weight of refusing God’s truth, mercy, or calling.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (from, away from) + ὠθέω (to push, thrust)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in classical Greek military and maritime contexts
• Appears in both literal physical and metaphorical spiritual contexts

ἀπωθέω Morphology:

• ἀπωθέω (present active indicative) – to push away, reject
• ἀπώσατο (aorist middle indicative) – he/she rejected
• ἀπωσάμενοι (aorist middle participle) – having rejected
• ἀπώσεται (future middle indicative) – will reject
• ἀπωθεῖσθε (present middle indicative) – you reject

Origin & History

The word ἀπωθέω has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe military actions of repelling enemies or pushing away threats. In Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War,” the term appears frequently to describe naval maneuvers where ships would forcefully push away from each other in battle.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἀπωθέω takes on deeper theological significance, often translating Hebrew terms related to God’s rejection of His people due to their unfaithfulness (as in Psalm 43:2) or the people’s rejection of God’s ways. The early church fathers, particularly Chrysostom in his homilies, employed this term to describe the grave spiritual danger of refusing God’s grace.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A forceful physical pushing away or thrusting aside
• Deliberate rejection or refusal of something offered
• The act of repelling or driving away
• Metaphorical distancing or separation from a person or principle

ἀπωθέω Translation Options:

• “thrust away” – emphasizes the forceful physical action
• “reject” – captures the deliberate nature of the refusal
• “repel” – highlights the defensive aspect of the action
• “push aside” – conveys the spatial and relational displacement
• “cast off” – emphasizes the completeness of the rejection

Biblical Usage

The New Testament employs ἀπωθέω primarily in contexts of spiritual rejection, particularly in Acts and Paul’s letters. Its first appearance in Acts 7:27 sets a pattern for its usage, where Stephen recounts how Moses was rejected by his own people, prefiguring Israel’s later rejection of the Messiah.

This word carries particular weight in Paul’s discussions of Israel’s relationship with God and the gospel. The apostle uses it to describe both individual and corporate rejection of divine truth, while also emphasizing God’s faithfulness despite human rejection.

Key verses:

• “But he who did wrong to his neighbor pushed him away [ἀπώσατο]” Acts 7:27
• “Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject [ἀπωθεῖσθε] it'” Acts 13:46
• “I say then, has God cast away [ἀπώσατο] His people? Certainly not!” Romans 11:1
• “Therefore do not reject [ἀπώσῃ] the testimony of our Lord” 2 Timothy 1:8

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the act of pushing someone away carried profound social implications beyond the physical action. It represented a formal breach of relationship and could signal the dissolution of covenant bonds. This understanding illuminates why ἀπωθέω was chosen to describe Israel’s rejection of Moses in Acts 7:27, as it wasn’t merely a personal rejection but a repudiation of God’s appointed deliverer.

The word also carried legal connotations in Greco-Roman society, where it could describe the formal act of disinheritance or the rejection of a legal claim. This legal backdrop enriches our understanding of Paul’s argument in Romans 11:1-2 about God not rejecting His people Israel.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπωθέω in Scripture reveals profound truths about human nature and divine grace. It highlights the serious nature of rejecting God’s truth and appointed leaders, while simultaneously showcasing God’s persevering love. The word appears at crucial junctures in salvation history, often marking moments where human rejection meets divine persistence.

The term serves as a sobering reminder of humanity’s capacity to resist divine overtures while also highlighting God’s unwillingness to ultimately reject His people despite their rejection of Him. This tension reaches its climax in the gospel narrative, where human rejection of the Messiah becomes the very means through which God accomplishes salvation.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπωθέω challenges us to examine our own responses to God’s truth and calling. It prompts us to consider whether we might be subtly pushing away divine guidance or conviction in our lives. The word serves as a warning against hardening our hearts while reminding us that God’s grace persists even in the face of our resistance.

This word also offers hope to those who have experienced rejection, reminding them that God never ultimately rejects those who are His. Even when we struggle with feelings of being pushed away, we can trust in the faithful character of our God who promises never to leave or forsake His people.

Related Words

• ἀποστρέφω (apostrephō) – to turn away, reject; carries sense of turning one’s back on something See G654
• ἀρνέομαι (arneomai) – to deny, disown; focuses on verbal or formal rejection See G720
• παραιτέομαι (paraiteomai) – to excuse oneself, decline, avoid; implies polite rejection See G3868
• βδελύσσομαι (bdelyssomai) – to detest, abhor; represents rejection based on strong aversion See G948

Did you Know?

• The compound structure of ἀπωθέω (ἀπό + ὠθέω) creates one of the strongest words for rejection in biblical Greek, emphasizing both separation (ἀπό) and forceful action (ὠθέω).
• In modern Greek, derivatives of ἀπωθέω are still used in psychology to describe the act of repression – pushing unwanted thoughts into the subconscious mind.
• The word appears in ancient Greek maritime manuals describing the technique of pushing away from a dock or another ship, highlighting its original concrete physical meaning before its metaphorical applications.

Remember This

ἀπωθέω stands as a powerful reminder that our response to God’s truth carries eternal significance – while we may choose to push Him away, His faithful love remains constant, never ultimately rejecting those who are His.