Brief Overview of ἀποτρέπω (G665: Apotrépō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apotrépō

Root Words: The term ἀποτρέπω is derived from ἀπό (apo), meaning “away from,” and τρέπω (trépo), meaning “to turn.” Together, it conveys the idea of turning someone away or directing them off course.

Primary Meanings:

• To turn away or avert.
• To divert or direct someone away from something.
• To repulse or drive back.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποτρέπω as “to turn away” or “to avert,” focusing on the action of redirecting or repulsing. It highlights the word’s usage in contexts where an individual is steered away from a path or course.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποτρέπω as “to turn away,” “to avert,” or “to turn aside,” emphasizing its application in preventing or directing someone away from a particular action or situation.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀποτρέπω means “to turn away” or “to divert,” often used in contexts where one is directed away from a course or action.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀποτρέπω as “to turn away from,” focusing on its use in contexts where something is repulsed or diverted.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀποτρέπω as “to turn away” or “to avert,” highlighting its usage in redirecting or repulsing.

Bible Verses:

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• Acts 13:46 (NIV): “Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: ‘We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.’” (Here, ἀποτρέπω reflects turning away from one group to another.)
• 1 Timothy 6:20 (NIV): “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.” (In this verse, ἀποτρέπω is used to advise turning away from false teachings.)

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics, 4th century BCE): Aristotle uses related terms to describe the act of turning away from unethical behavior, illustrating the term’s application in moral philosophy.

Demosthenes (Orations, 4th century BCE): Demosthenes employs similar concepts to depict redirection in political oratory, highlighting the term’s use in persuasive contexts to divert attention or actions.

Plato (Dialogues, 4th century BCE): Plato uses related terms to express the idea of redirecting arguments or philosophical discussions, reflecting the term’s role in intellectual debates.

4. Summary:

ἀποτρέπω (apotrépō) signifies the action of turning away, averting, or diverting. It emphasizes the act of redirecting or repulsing, often to prevent or guide someone away from a particular path or action. In classical Greek literature, it is used to describe moral, political, and philosophical redirection. In biblical texts, it captures the essence of turning away from negative influences or redirection in response to new opportunities.