Lexical Summary apotassó: To bid farewell, to take leave of, to renounce Original Word: ἀποτάσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bid farewell, forsake, take leave, send away. Middle voice from apo and tasso; literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); figuratively, to renounce -- bid farewell, forsake, take leave, send away. see GREEK apo see GREEK tasso NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and tassó Definition to set apart, take leave of NASB Translation bidding...farewell (1), give (1), say good-bye (1), taking...leave (1), taking leave (1), took leave (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 657: ἀποτάσσωἀποτάσσω: to set apart, to separate; in the N. T. only in the middle ἀποτάσσομαι; 1 aorist ἀπεταξαμην; 1. properly, to separate oneself, withdraw oneself from anyone, i. e. to take leave of, bid farewell to (Vulg.valefacio (etc.)): τίνι, Mark 6:46; Luke 9:61; Acts 18:18, 21 (here L T Tr omit the dative); 2 Corinthians 2:13. (That the early Greek writers never so used the word, but said ἀσπάζεσθαι τινα, is shown by Lobeck ad Phryn., p. 23f; (cf. Winers Grammar, 23 (22); Buttmann, 179 (156)).) 2. tropically, to renounce, forsake: τίνι, Luke 14:33. (So also Josephus, Antiquities 11, 6, 8; Phil. alleg. iii. § 48; ταῖς τοῦ φροντισι, Eusebius, h. e. 2, 17, 5; (τῷ βίῳ, Ignatius ad Philadelph. 11, 1 [ET]; cf. Hermas, mand. 6, 2, 9 [ET]; Clement of Rome, 2 Cor. 6, 4 and 5 [ET] where see Gebh. and Harn. for other examples, also Sophocles' Lexicon, under the word).) The verb translated in English as “bid farewell,” “take leave,” or “renounce” appears six times in the New Testament. It always marks a decisive break—sometimes from people, sometimes from possessions, always for the sake of a greater allegiance to the will of God. Range of Meaning in Scripture 1. Saying good-bye to people (Mark 6:46; Luke 9:61; Acts 18:18, 18:21; 2 Corinthians 2:13). In every setting the act is deliberate and final. Whether parting from loved ones or relinquishing earthly goods, the word signals wholehearted commitment to a divinely appointed purpose. Renunciation and Discipleship (Luke 14:33; Luke 9:61) Luke 14:33: “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.” Here the verb describes surrender of ownership. Jesus locates true discipleship beyond mere sentiment; it demands practical detachment from all that might rival loyalty to Him. This surrender is not asceticism for its own sake but a recognition that eternal treasure outweighs temporal wealth (Matthew 6:19–21). Luke 9:61: “Still another said, ‘I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.’” The would-be follower’s request echoes Elisha’s goodbye to his parents (1 Kings 19:19–21). Yet Jesus’ subsequent warning (Luke 9:62) shows that even legitimate family ties cannot supersede the urgency of the Kingdom. The very moment of farewell becomes a test of priorities. Farewells in Missionary Movement (Mark 6:46; Acts 18:18, 18:21; 2 Corinthians 2:13) Mark 6:46: “And after He had taken leave of them, He went up on the mountain to pray.” Jesus’ farewell to the crowds and disciples underscores the rhythm of ministry: engagement followed by solitary communion with the Father. The verb highlights intentional withdrawal, not mere departure. Acts 18:18: “He then said goodbye to the brothers and sailed for Syria…” Acts 18:21: “…as he left, he said, ‘I will come back to you if God is willing.’” Paul’s leave-takings frame his strategic mobility. He cherishes fellowship, yet obedience to wider calling presses him onward. Notably, he entrusts future plans to God’s will, modeling James 4:15. 2 Corinthians 2:13: “I had no rest in my spirit… so I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.” Even apostolic anxiety over Titus does not paralyze Paul; he takes decisive action for the gospel’s advance. The farewell is both pastoral (expressing concern) and practical (maintaining momentum). Spiritual Significance 1. Total Allegiance. The term exposes any half-heartedness. Christ demands supremacy over possessions, family, comfort, and personal plans. Practical Ministry Application • Count the Cost: Prospective disciples must examine whether anything is held too tightly to obey Christ fully. Theological Implications The verb embodies the tension between temporal and eternal loyalties. Scripture presents no contradiction between loving family and resources and renouncing them when they hinder obedience. The call of Christ transcends every earthly claim, yet in relinquishing such claims believers discover deeper communion with God and His people. Summary Across the Gospels and Acts, and in Paul’s correspondence, this word functions as a hinge of decisive commitment—either to the Father’s will in prayer, the Son’s summons to discipleship, or the Spirit’s prompting in mission. Each occurrence challenges readers to examine what farewells they must utter so that nothing competes with wholehearted service to the Lord. Englishman's Concordance Mark 6:46 V-APM-NMSGRK: καὶ ἀποταξάμενος αὐτοῖς ἀπῆλθεν NAS: After bidding them farewell, He left KJV: them away, he departed INT: And having taken leave of them he departed Luke 9:61 V-ANM Luke 14:33 V-PIM-3S Acts 18:18 V-APM-NMS Acts 18:21 V-APM-NMS 2 Corinthians 2:13 V-APM-NMS Strong's Greek 657 |
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