664. apotomós
Lexical Summary
apotomós: Severe, sharp, abrupt

Original Word: ἀποτομός
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: apotomós
Pronunciation: ah-po-to-MOS
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ot-om'-oce)
KJV: sharply(-ness)
NASB: severely, severity
Word Origin: [adverb from a derivative of a comparative of G575 (ἀπό - since) and temno "to cut"]

1. abruptly, i.e. peremptorily

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
sharpness.

Adverb from a derivative of a comparative of apo and temno (to cut); abruptly, i.e. Peremptorily -- sharply(-ness).

see GREEK apo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
adverb from apo and temnó (to cut)
Definition
abruptly, curtly
NASB Translation
severely (1), severity (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 664: ἀποτόμως

ἀποτόμως, adverb (cf. ἀποτομία);

a. abruptly, precipitously.

b. tropically, sharply, severely (cf. our curtly): Titus 1:13; 2 Corinthians 13:10. On the adjective ἀπότομος cf. Grimm on Sap., p. 121 (who in illustration of its use in Wis. 5:20, 22 Wis. 6:5, 11 Wis. 11:10 Wis. 12:9 Wis. 18:15, refers to the similar metaphorically, use in Diodorus 2, 57; Longinus, de sublim. 27; and the use of the Latinabscisus in Valerius Maximus, 2, 7, 14, etc.; see also Polb. 17, 11, 2; Polycarp, ad Phil. 6, 1 [ET]).

Topical Lexicon
Conceptual Overview

The word translated “harshly” or “sternly” in English conveys decisive, uncompromising action taken to correct spiritual danger. It is not vindictive aggression but a firm, restorative measure that values truth and holiness above personal comfort. The idea presumes covenant love: discipline is administered for the good of the body of Christ and the honor of the Lord.

Scriptural Occurrences

2 Corinthians 13:10 – Paul writes ahead so that, on arrival, he “will not have to be harsh in [his] use of authority—the Lord gave [him] authority for building [them] up, not for tearing [them] down”.
Titus 1:13 – After citing the unhealthy condition of the Cretan churches, Paul instructs Titus, “Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith”.

Purpose of Apostolic Severity

1. Protection of the flock: False teaching and moral laxity threaten the spiritual health of believers (Titus 1:10-14). Severe rebuke removes infectious error.
2. Vindication of Christ’s authority: Paul’s firmness at Corinth underscores that church leadership is delegated by the risen Lord (2 Corinthians 10:8; 13:10).
3. Restoration, not ruin: Both passages attach a constructive aim—“building … up” and making believers “sound in the faith.” Severity is measured by edifying intent.

Balancing Gentleness and Firmness

Scripture commends gentleness (Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:24-25) yet also records moments when gentleness alone is insufficient. The same apostle who urges patience can insist on sharp correction when the gospel is endangered. Divine character shows the same tension: “Consider therefore the kindness and severity of God” (Romans 11:22). Leaders imitate this balance—patient with the weak, unyielding toward defiant sin.

Historical Reception in the Church

Early church orders (e.g., Didache, Apostolic Tradition) required elders to admonish decisively. Augustine defended strong rebuke to rescue souls from eternal harm. Reformers such as Calvin spoke of “severe medicine” that excises doctrine that “eats like gangrene.” Throughout church history councils have disciplined heresy, embodying the principle of ἀποτόμως.

Related Biblical Themes

• Church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5)
• Shepherding responsibility (Acts 20:28-31)
• Sound doctrine and refutation of error (1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 4:6)
• Spiritual health imagery—“sound” (Greek hygienō, Titus 1:13; 2:1) versus “diseased” teaching (1 Timothy 6:4).

Practical Guidance for Contemporary Ministry

• Diagnose motive: severity must aim at restoration, never revenge.
• Choose context: private confrontation precedes public rebuke unless public harm requires immediate action (Galatians 2:11-14).
• Guard tone: firmness need not be abusive; clarity and conviction are sufficient.
• Provide pathway to repentance: clear doctrine, loving invitation, measurable fruit.
• Remember mutual accountability: leaders, too, submit to the Word and to plural oversight.

Summary

ἀποτόμως highlights an indispensable facet of biblical leadership—the readiness to act decisively when God’s truth or the church’s welfare is at stake. Exercised under Christ’s authority and constrained by love, such severity becomes an instrument of grace that preserves the purity, unity, and maturity of the people of God.

Forms and Transliterations
αποτομως αποτόμως ἀποτόμως apotomos apotomōs apotómos apotómōs
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Corinthians 13:10 Adv
GRK: παρὼν μὴ ἀποτόμως χρήσωμαι κατὰ
NAS: I [need] not use severity, in accordance
KJV: I should use sharpness, according
INT: being present not with severity I might treat [you] according to

Titus 1:13 Adv
GRK: ἔλεγχε αὐτοὺς ἀποτόμως ἵνα ὑγιαίνωσιν
NAS: reprove them severely so
KJV: them sharply, that
INT: convict them with severity that they might be sound

Strong's Greek 664
2 Occurrences


ἀποτόμως — 2 Occ.

663
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