Lexical Summary apochóreó: To depart, to withdraw, to go away Original Word: ἀποχωρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance depart. From apo and choreo; to go away -- depart. see GREEK apo see GREEK choreo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and chóreó Definition to go away, depart NASB Translation depart (1), leave (1), leaves (1), left (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 672: ἀποχωρέωἀποχωρέω, ἀποχόρω; 1 aorist ἀπεχώρησα; (from Thucydides down); to go away, depart: ἀπό τίνος, Matthew 7:23; Luke 9:39; Acts 13:13; (absolutely, Luke 20:20 Tr marginal reading). Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 672 portrays an act of deliberate separation: stepping aside, withdrawing, or being dismissed. Across its three New Testament appearances the term frames decisive moments in which persons, powers, or pretenders are compelled to leave the sphere of God-ordained activity, demonstrating divine authority, the reality of spiritual conflict, and the importance of steadfast commitment in ministry. Scriptural Occurrences 1. Matthew 7:23 – At the climax of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus foretells the final judgment of false disciples: “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’”. Here the word is an imperative banishment issued by the Judge Himself, underscoring that outward religious activity cannot substitute for authentic obedience springing from a genuine relationship with Christ. 2. Luke 9:39 – Describing a boy tormented by an unclean spirit, Luke reports that the demon “only with difficulty does it leave him, mauling him as it departs.” The verb paints the violent exit of a hostile power defeated by the superior authority of Jesus (see 9:42). The departure highlights the already-present, yet not fully consummated, victory of the Messiah over demonic forces. 3. Acts 13:13 – In Perga, “John left them to return to Jerusalem.” The narrative marks a painful team schism that later prompts sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39). The departure serves as a sober reminder that ministry demands perseverance, mutual trust, and grace toward human frailty. Theological Emphases A. Divine Judgment The use in Matthew 7:23 shows that final exclusion from Christ’s presence is not arbitrary but rooted in His omniscience: “I never knew you.” The departure is irrevocable and eternal, reinforcing the doctrine of separation between righteousness and lawlessness (Revelation 22:14-15). B. Christ’s Authority over Darkness Luke presents physical evidence of the kingdom’s advance. The reluctant exit of the demon magnifies the Savior’s power (Colossians 2:15) and anticipates the complete eradication of evil at His return. C. Human Responsibility in Service John Mark’s withdrawal in Acts 13:13 illustrates the pressures of missionary labor. Yet later, Paul calls Mark “useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11), showing that failure need not be final. God redeems setbacks, weaving them into His larger redemptive plan. Historical and Cultural Context First-century travel across the rugged terrain of Pamphylia was perilous; illness, banditry, and cultural hostility likely contributed to John Mark’s decision. In Jewish legal proceedings, an order to depart signified exclusion from communal or covenant blessings. Luke borrows that juridical sense in Matthew 7:23, where the righteous Judge dismisses evildoers from His heavenly court. Practical Ministry Applications • Discernment: Genuine fruit, not mere profession, authenticates discipleship (Matthew 7:17-20). Intertextual Connections The verb’s Old Testament analogues echo in texts where God withdraws His presence from the rebellious (e.g., Hosea 5:6). Conversely, believers are urged to “come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17), a positive counterpart, indicating voluntary departure from sin toward fellowship with God. Summary Strong’s Greek 672 threads through judgment, deliverance, and mission. Whether commanding false professors to leave, forcing demons to exit, or noting the retreat of a weary missionary, it reminds readers that separation—either by God’s decree or human choice—carries eternal weight. The term invites sober self-examination, confident reliance on Christ’s supremacy, and renewed commitment to finish the course He sets before His servants. Forms and Transliterations αποχωρει αποχωρεί ἀποχωρεῖ αποχωρειτε αποχωρείτε ἀποχωρεῖτε αποχωρησας αποχωρήσας ἀποχωρήσας αποχωρήσει αποχωρούσιν apochorei apochoreî apochōrei apochōreî apochoreite apochoreîte apochōreite apochōreîte apochoresas apochorḗsas apochōrēsas apochōrḗsasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 7:23 V-PMA-2PGRK: ἔγνων ὑμᾶς ἀποχωρεῖτε ἀπ' ἐμοῦ NAS: knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE KJV: knew you: depart from me, INT: knew I you depart you from me Luke 9:39 V-PIA-3S Acts 13:13 V-APA-NMS Strong's Greek 672 |
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