Lexical Summary apobolé: Rejection, loss, casting away Original Word: ἀποβολή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance casting away, loss. From apoballo; rejection; figuratively, loss -- casting away, loss. see GREEK apoballo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apoballó Definition a throwing away, rejection NASB Translation loss (1), rejection (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 580: ἀποβολήἀποβολή, ἀποβολης, ἡ, a throwing away; 1. rejection, repudiation (ἀποβάλλεσθαι to throw away from oneself, cast off, repudiate): Romans 11:15 (opposed to πρόσλημψις αὐτῶν, objec. genitive). 2. a losing, loss (from ἀποβάλλω in the sense of lose): Acts 27:22 ἀποβολή ψυχῆς οὐδεμία ἔσται ἐξ ὑμῶν no one of you shall lose his life (Winers Grammar, § 67, 1 e.). (Plato, Plutarch, others.) The term denotes a forcible casting off that results in some form of loss or rejection. In secular Greek it could describe jettisoning cargo, discarding a limb to save a life, or repudiation in civic affairs. In Scripture it carries two complementary shades: physical loss (Acts 27:22) and covenantal rejection (Romans 11:15). Occurrences in Scripture Contextual Significance in Acts 27:22 On the storm-tossed ship bound for Rome, the apostle Paul declares, “There will be no loss of life among you, only of the ship” (Berean Standard Bible). The word captures the promised deliverance of persons despite inevitable material destruction. Paul’s confidence rests not in nautical skill but in a divine assurance given by an angel (Acts 27:23-24). The contrast between perishing cargo and preserved people foreshadows the Gospel principle that earthly things may be sacrificed so that souls are saved (compare Mark 8:36). Contextual Significance in Romans 11:15 Discussing Israel’s present unbelief, Paul writes, “For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” Here the word depicts Israel’s temporary casting off in salvation history. This “rejection” is neither total nor final (Romans 11:1-2, 25-29). The Gentile mission flourishes during this interval, illustrating God’s ability to transform apparent loss into global blessing. The anticipated “acceptance” culminates in resurrection life, hinting at eschatological renewal for Israel and the nations alike. Theological Implications 1. Sovereign Purpose: God permits a season of loss or rejection to advance a greater redemptive design (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). Historical Usage and Background Maritime literature of the first century uses the word for throwing cargo overboard to lighten a vessel. Medical writers spoke of amputating a limb to save the body. Civic documents employed it for expelling citizens from a polis. All three backdrops illuminate the biblical passages: sailors jettison a ship; the covenant community experiences temporary severance; in both cases, a strategic loss serves a higher preservation. Practical Ministry Applications • Pastoral Encouragement: When believers face material or relational loss, Acts 27:22 models assurance rooted in God’s word rather than circumstances. Concluding Reflection The word translated “loss” or “rejection” underscores a paradox central to Scripture: what appears cast away in the moment may serve the unfolding drama of divine redemption. Whether on a foundering ship or within the sweep of covenant history, God turns apparent forfeiture into preserved life and restored fellowship, assuring His people that no true good is ever ultimately lost in His sovereign hands. Englishman's Concordance Acts 27:22 N-NFSGRK: ὑμᾶς εὐθυμεῖν ἀποβολὴ γὰρ ψυχῆς NAS: for there will be no loss of life KJV: no loss of [any man's] life INT: you to take heart loss indeed of life Romans 11:15 N-NFS |
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