Lexical Summary apotomós: Severe, sharp, abrupt Original Word: ἀποτομός 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 Originadverb from apo and temnó (to cut) Definition abruptly, curtly NASB Translation severely (1), severity (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 664: ἀποτόμωςἀποτόμως, 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]). 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”. 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. 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) Practical Guidance for Contemporary Ministry • Diagnose motive: severity must aim at restoration, never revenge. 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. Englishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 13:10 AdvGRK: 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 |
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