Lexical Summary apochórizó: To separate, to depart, to leave Original Word: ἀποχωρίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to depart, to separate. From apo and chorizo; to rend apart; reflexively, to separate -- depart (asunder). see GREEK apo see GREEK chorizo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and chórizó Definition to separate, part asunder NASB Translation separated (1), split apart (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 673: ἀποχωρίζωἀποχωρίζω: (1 aorist passive ἀπεχωρίσθην); to separate, sever (often in Plato); to part asunder: passive ὁ οὐρανός ἀπεχωρίσθη, Revelation 6:14; reflexively, to separate oneself, depart from: ἀποχωρισθῆναι αὐτούς ἀπ' ἀλλήλων, Acts 15:39. Topical Lexicon Central Idea: Separation with PurposeStrong’s 673 highlights a decisive removal or departure that changes relationships or conditions. While its uses are few, they illuminate two key arenas in which God permits or enacts separation: missionary strategy (Acts 15:39) and cosmic judgment (Revelation 6:14). Both contexts reveal that what seems like fragmentation in human eyes serves a larger divine design. Old Testament Background The Hebrew Scriptures repeatedly portray God separating in order to create, protect, or judge (Genesis 1:4; Exodus 14:21; Isaiah 59:2). That backdrop prepares the reader to see every later “parting” not as mere accident but as an instrument in His sovereign plan. New Testament Occurrences 1. Acts 15:39. A “sharp disagreement” between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark “separated” the missionary pair. Rather than derailing gospel advance, the episode doubled the outreach teams and spread the message to more regions (compare Acts 16:5). 2. Revelation 6:14. At the breaking of the sixth seal, “the sky receded like a scroll being rolled up.” Creation itself is forcibly divided, signaling the nearness of final judgment and demonstrating that even the heavens will obey the Lord’s command to part. Theological Themes • Providence over Division. Whether among apostles or within the cosmos, God rules every separation. Human discord cannot thwart His redemptive agenda (Proverbs 16:9; Philippians 1:12). • Purifying Effect. Separation often distinguishes faithfulness from compromise. The missionary split produced two faithful teams; the eschatological tearing of the heavens removes every refuge of unbelief (2 Peter 3:10). • Anticipation of Restoration. Scripture moves from the separating acts of Genesis to the unifying vision of Revelation 21:3. Every temporary parting points toward the ultimate gathering of God’s people in Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Historical and Ministry Significance • Mission Strategy. Church history notes that the Paul–Barnabas division led to broader geographic coverage. Later generations have likewise seen God multiply ministry through orderly partings—new church plants, missionary societies, and denominational realignments that retain biblical fidelity. • Conflict Management. Acts 15 models honest debate without doctrinal compromise. The record encourages leaders to uphold conviction while avoiding personal bitterness, trusting the Lord to redeem unresolved disputes. Eschatological Implications Revelation 6:14 portrays the first visible unraveling of the created order, affirming Jesus’ prophecy that “the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Matthew 24:29). The scene warns unbelievers while assuring saints that present sufferings are temporary; cosmic separation heralds coming renewal. Pastoral and Devotional Application • Personal Seasons of “Parting.” Vocational transitions, relational rifts, or geographic moves can echo Acts 15:39. Believers may rest in the promise that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). • Call to Holiness. Just as the heavens will be split, Christians are urged to “come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Moral and doctrinal clarity often requires decisive departure from compromising influences. • Hope Amid Shaking. The rolling up of the sky reminds the church that earthly securities will give way. Therefore, “since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:11). Summary Strong’s 673 magnifies the redemptive logic behind separations both small and cosmic. Whether dividing missionaries or splitting the heavens, the Lord orchestrates each parting to advance the gospel, purify His people, and signal the approach of the new creation. Forms and Transliterations απεχωρισθη απεχωρίσθη ἀπεχωρίσθη αποκεχωρισμένω αποχωρισθηναι αποχωρισθήναι ἀποχωρισθῆναι apechoristhe apechorísthe apechōristhē apechōrísthē apochoristhenai apochoristhênai apochōristhēnai apochōristhē̂naiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 15:39 V-ANPGRK: παροξυσμὸς ὥστε ἀποχωρισθῆναι αὐτοὺς ἀπ' NAS: such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, KJV: that they departed asunder one from the other: INT: a sharp disagreement so that departed them from Revelation 6:14 V-AIP-3S Strong's Greek 673 |
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