Lexical Summary apoleipó: To leave, to leave behind, to forsake, to abandon Original Word: ἀπολείπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance leave, remain. From apo and leipo; to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake -- leave, remain. see GREEK apo see GREEK leipo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and leipó Definition to leave, leave behind NASB Translation abandoned (1), left (3), remains (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 620: ἀπολείπωἀπολείπω: (imperfect ἀπελειπον, WH text in 2 Timothy 4:13, 20; Titus 1:5); 2 aorist ἀπέλιπον; (from Homer down); 1. to leave, leave behind: one in some place, Titus 1:5 L T Tr WH; 2 Timothy 4:18, 20. Passive ἀπολείπεται it remains, is reserved: Hebrews 4:9; Hebrews 10:26; followed by the accusative and an infinitive, Hebrews 4:6. 2. to desert, forsake: a place, Jude 1:6. Strong’s Greek 620 portrays the purposeful act of “leaving behind” or “remaining,” a verb that gathers nuanced shades of meaning from context—physical departure, intentional assignment, or a lingering remnant. Its seven New Testament uses fall into three principal arenas: (1) practical ministry logistics, (2) the shepherding of local churches, and (3) doctrinal exhortations concerning rest and judgment. Occurrences and Contexts 1. Ministry Logistics and Personal Effects • 2 Timothy 4:13 – Paul writes, “When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, and the scrolls—especially the parchments”. In both cases the verb marks deliberate action. Paul’s cloak and parchments are temporarily “left behind” for safekeeping; Trophimus is “left” because illness prevented travel. The apostle’s transparent record of unfinished concerns reminds the Church that the advance of the gospel often involves mundane details and unavoidable limitations. Yet even such “left-behind” matters are recorded under the Spirit’s inspiration, underscoring that God’s providence embraces both the ordinary and the extraordinary. 2. Ecclesiastical Order and Leadership Formation • Titus 1:5 – “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” Here the verb signals Paul’s intentional delegation. By “leaving” Titus, Paul models apostolic strategy: establish sound leadership, ensure doctrinal purity, and cultivate indigenous oversight. The verse undergirds the continuing duty of churches to appoint qualified elders, demonstrating that intentional “leaving behind” of trusted workers serves long-term stability. 3. Eschatological Rest and Perseverance • Hebrews 4:6 – “Since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly heard the good news did not enter because of disobedience…” The author employs the verb to proclaim a “remaining” promise. Israel’s unbelief did not nullify God’s rest; a present-tense opportunity still exists. The Church therefore reads these verses as both assurance and summons: divine rest has been “left” open; believers must enter by faith and obedience. 4. Warning against Apostasy • Hebrews 10:26 – “For if we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains.” In Hebrews the term intensifies the gravity of willful sin: nothing is “left” in the sacrificial system to cover persistent rebellion. Jude recounts angels who “left” their appointed sphere, turning the idea of abandonment into cosmic treason. Together these texts warn that despising divine provision—whether by men or angels—leads to irrevocable loss. Historical and Ministry Significance • Authenticity of Apostolic Testimony The incidental notes about cloaks, co-workers, and sickness attest the earthy reality of apostolic life. Paul’s willingness to record what was “left behind” signals historical reliability and pastoral candor. • Blueprint for Church Governance Titus 1:5 anchors the biblical rationale for structured leadership. The verb underscores that godly order is not accidental; it results from purposeful placement of faithful men. • Continuity of God’s Redemptive Plan Hebrews’ use of the term links Israel’s wilderness failures to the Church’s present hope. What remains unentered is neither diminished nor revoked; God’s promises stand intact, inviting perseverance. • Sobriety in Spiritual Conflict Hebrews 10:26 and Jude 1:6 remind believers that privilege can be forfeited. When sacrifice or domain is abandoned, only judgment “remains.” The verb therefore functions as a theological hinge between mercy offered and judgment retained. Practical Applications 1. Steward material resources and personal welfare without losing kingdom focus (2 Timothy 4:13, 4:20). Conclusion Strong’s 620 illuminates a spectrum of “leaving” and “remaining” that spans the practical, pastoral, and eschatological. Through it the Spirit teaches that what we leave behind—whether a cloak, a co-laborer, a church leader, or an opportunity for faith—bears lasting consequence in the unfolding purposes of God. Englishman's Concordance 2 Timothy 4:13 V-IIA-1SGRK: φαιλόνην ὃν ἀπέλιπον ἐν Τρῳάδι NAS: which I left at Troas KJV: The cloke that I left at Troas INT: cloak which I left in Troas 2 Timothy 4:20 V-IIA-1S Titus 1:5 V-IIA-1S Hebrews 4:6 V-PIM/P-3S Hebrews 4:9 V-PIM/P-3S Hebrews 10:26 V-PIM/P-3S Jude 1:6 V-APA-AMP Strong's Greek 620 |
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