Lexical Summary aporiptó: To cast away, to throw off, to reject Original Word: ἀπορίπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance jump overboardFrom apo and rhipto; to hurl off, i.e. Precipitate (oneself) -- cast. see GREEK apo see GREEK rhipto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and rhiptó Definition to throw away NASB Translation jump overboard (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 641: ἀπορρίπτωἀπορρίπτω: 1 aorist ἀπέρριψα (T WH write with one rho ῥ; see Rho); (from Homer down); to throw away, cast down; reflexively, to cast oneself down: Acts 27:43 (R. V. cast themselves overboard). (So in Lucian, ver. hist. 1, 30 variant; (Chariton 3, 5, see D'Orville at the passage); cf. Winers Grammar, 251 (236); (Buttmann, 145 (127)).) Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Field The verb expresses a forceful and deliberate throwing off—an intentional act of separation from something that would otherwise remain attached. It belongs to the wider New Testament imagery of casting away burdens, discarding restraints, or jettisoning cargo in crisis. The underlying idea is decisive release in order to secure safety, freedom, or progress. Biblical Occurrence Acts 27:43 records the sole New Testament use, situated amid the dramatic shipwreck narrative on Paul’s voyage to Rome. “He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land” (Acts 27:43). The centurion’s order—embodied in the participle translated “jump overboard” or “cast themselves off”—signals an urgent, life-preserving response to danger. Historical and Cultural Background First-century sailors commonly lightened struggling vessels by casting cargo, tackle, or even themselves into the sea (Acts 27:18-19, 38). Ancient maritime manuals advise swimmers to abandon sinking ships quickly to avoid being dragged under by the suction. Luke’s precise nautical vocabulary mirrors this practice, grounding the account in authentic seafaring custom and underscoring the reliability of his historical record. Theological and Spiritual Significance 1. Deliverance through Obedience. The centurion’s command illustrates how human initiative, when aligned with God’s overarching providence (Acts 27:24-25), becomes the means of deliverance. Practical Ministry Implications • Urgency in Crisis. Spiritual leaders must sometimes issue clear, immediate directives that protect life and advance God’s purpose, trusting that obedience yields safety. Illustrative Applications • Counseling: Urge repentant sinners to abandon destructive patterns with the same resolve the sailors showed in leaping overboard. Cross-References and Biblical Parallels • “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Summary Strong’s Greek 641 captures a vivid, once-used verb that dramatizes the moment when lives are saved by casting off and committing oneself to God’s provision. Its single appearance magnifies its impact, furnishing the church with a powerful metaphor for urgent obedience, radical repentance, and confident trust in divine preservation. Forms and Transliterations απέρριμμαι απερριμμένην απερρίφη απερρίφης απερρίφησαν απέρριψα απερρίψαμεν απέρριψαν απέρριψας απέρριψάς απερρίψατο απέρριψε απέρριψεν αποριψαντας ἀπορίψαντας απόρριπτε απορριφήσεσθε απορριφήσονται απορριφήτε απορριφώμεν απόρριψαι απορρίψαντας απορρίψατε απορριψάτω απορρίψης απορρίψω απορρίψωμεν aporipsantas aporípsantasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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