Lexical Summary apotrepó: To turn away, to avoid, to shun Original Word: ἀποτρέπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance turn away. From apo and the base of trope; to deflect, i.e. (reflexively) avoid -- turn away. see GREEK apo see GREEK trope NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and the same as tropé Definition to turn away NASB Translation avoid (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 665: ἀποτρέπωἀποτρέπω: (from Homer down); to turn away; middle (present ἀποτρέπομαι, imperative ἀποτρέπου) to turn oneself away from, to shun, avoid: τινα or τί (see ἀποστρέφω), 2 Timothy 3:5. (4 Macc. 1:33; Aeschylus the Sept. 1060; Euripides, Iph. Aul. 336; (Aristar. plant. 1, 1, p. 815b, 18; Polybius others.).) Topical Lexicon Overview The verb expresses a deliberate, personal refusal to remain in fellowship with anything that compromises the gospel. Its single New Testament occurrence (2 Timothy 3:5) calls believers to a decisive break from counterfeit piety. Context in 2 Timothy 3 Paul warns Timothy that in “the last days” people will exhibit “a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!” (2 Timothy 3:5). The command: 1. Protects the flock from predatory teachers (3:6). Old Testament Background In the Septuagint the verb describes turning from idols (Joshua 24:23), evil paths (Proverbs 4:27), and ungodly counsel (1 Samuel 12:20). Scripture consistently links devotion to God with decisive separation from corruption. Theological Significance • Holiness: God’s people must be distinct (1 Peter 1:15–16). Parallel New Testament Instructions Romans 16:17; Ephesians 5:11; Titus 3:10 all echo the same principle—avoid, reject, have nothing to do with those who subvert the faith. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Discernment: Test teachers by their doctrine and life. Historical Reception Early Church fathers, Reformers, and evangelical movements have invoked this verse to oppose empty ritualism and doctrinal error, insisting that genuine faith evidences transformative power. Summary Strong’s Greek 665 captures a non-negotiable element of discipleship: believers, for love of Christ and His church, must refuse partnership with professed godliness that denies the gospel’s life-changing power. Forms and Transliterations απετρύγησαν αποδραμείται αποτρεπου αποτρέπου ἀποτρέπου απότρεχε αποτρέχει αποτρέχεις αποτρέχετε αποτρεχέτω αποτρέχετω αποτρέχητε αποτρέχοντες αποτρέχουσιν αποτρέχω αποτροπιάζεσθαί αποτυφλώσει apotrepou apotrépouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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