Lexical Summary apelpizó: To despair, to give up hope, to expect nothing in return. Original Word: ἀπελπίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fully expectFrom apo and elpizo; to hope out, i.e. Fully expect -- hope for again. see GREEK apo see GREEK elpizo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and elpizó Definition to despair of NASB Translation expecting in return (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 560: ἀπελπίζωἀπελπίζω (Lachmann ἀφελπίζω (cf. grammatical references under the word ἀφειδον)); to despair (Winer's Grammar, 24): μηδέν ἀπελπίζοντες nothing despairing namely, of the hoped-for recompense from God the requiter, Luke 6:35 (T WH marginal reading μηδένα ἀπελπίζοντες; if this reading is to be tolerated it may be rendered despairing of no one, or even causing no one to despair (cf. the Jerus: Syriac). Tdf. himself seems half inclined to take μηδένα as neuter plural, a form thought to be not wholly unprecedented; cf. Stephanus' Thesaurus v. col. 962). (Isaiah 29:19; 2 Macc. 9:18; Sir. 22:21; ( STRONGS NT 560: ἀφελπίζωἀφελπίζω, equivalent to ἀπελπίζω, which see; cf. ἀφειδον. Topical Lexicon Semantic FocusThe verb describes the relinquishing of any expectation of repayment. Rather than simple indifference, it expresses a deliberate surrender of one’s right to claim what is owed, placing the whole matter in God’s hands. Its single New Testament use colors the entire passage in which it appears, portraying a generosity that is neither transactional nor self-protective. Setting in Luke 6:35 Luke records Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain,” where He calls His followers to exceed conventional morality. “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return” (Luke 6:35). By using the term, Jesus moves the discussion from ordinary lending practices to an ethic modeled on the Father’s own kindness. The verse immediately ties this relinquished expectation to a promised “great” reward and to the believer’s identity as “sons of the Most High.” Old Testament Roots 1. Loans without interest were mandated for fellow Israelites (Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 15:7-10). Against that backdrop, Jesus deepens the principle: the disciple does not merely waive interest but waives every claim of return. Theological Themes • Divine Imitation: God’s kindness to “the ungrateful and wicked” sets the pattern. Historical Interpretation Early Christian writers cited Luke 6:35 to commend almsgiving and hospitality. Tertullian contrasted pagan patronage systems with the Church’s free generosity. Chrysostom urged wealthy believers to adopt the verse as a rule of life, trusting God for reward. Medieval theologians linked the passage to the doctrine of works of mercy, while Reformation expositors highlighted faith’s role in fueling such open-handedness. Practical Ministry Implications • Personal Finance: Believers view assets as stewardship rather than possession, freeing them to lend or give without conditional terms. Connections with Other New Testament Passages Matthew 5:44 – parallel command to “love your enemies.” Matthew 6:19-21 – treasure in heaven. Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – cheerful, God-supplied generosity. Contemporary Application In economies driven by credit scores and contractual obligation, Luke 6:35 challenges disciples to practice a counter-cultural generosity. Families, small groups, and churches that absorb loss for Christ’s sake bear witness to a higher economy in which God Himself guarantees the return. Summary The lone New Testament appearance of this verb crystallizes an ethic of grace. By renouncing every claim of return, the disciple mirrors the redemptive heart of God, stores up eternal reward, and proclaims a gospel that gives freely because it has received freely (Matthew 10:8). Forms and Transliterations απελπιζοντες απελπίζοντες ἀπελπίζοντες απηλπισμέννοι apelpizontes apelpízontesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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