ἀπελαύνω

I drive away

Definition

ἀπελαύνω means to drive away, expel, or dismiss someone from a place. In its only New Testament occurrence in Acts 18:16, it describes the proconsul Gallio's action of driving the accusers of Paul away from the judgment seat. The term carries a sense of authoritative removal, often implying the use of force or official command to make someone depart. While not used elsewhere in the New Testament, in broader Greek literature it could describe driving away animals, ships, or even abstract things like fear.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 18:16, within a legal context. It describes the Roman proconsul Gallio's dismissal of the Jewish accusers who brought Paul before the tribunal in Corinth. The usage highlights an official, judicial act of expulsion, where a governing authority removes complainants from his presence, refusing to hear their case. No other patterns exist due to its single occurrence.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'away from') combined with the verb ἐλαύνω (elaunō, meaning 'to drive, set in motion'). ἐλαύνω itself is an ancient verb often used for driving chariots, ships, or herds. Thus, ἀπελαύνω literally means 'to drive away from,' emphasizing motion away from a source or location. The prefix ἀπό intensifies the sense of separation in the act of driving.

Semantic Range

While not a theologically dense term, its single use in Acts 18:16 is significant for understanding God's providence in Paul's ministry. Gallio's dismissal of the charges effectively provided legal protection for Paul in Corinth, allowing the gospel to advance unhindered in a key city. It illustrates how secular authority can be used by God to protect His servants and further the mission of the church, a theme seen in other parts of Acts (e.g., Acts 23:10).

In the Roman world, a proconsul's act of 'driving away' accusers from the tribunal (βῆμα, bēma) was a formal, public gesture of dismissing a case as frivolous or outside his jurisdiction. It carried social shame for the plaintiffs and affirmed the magistrate's authority. For Luke's original audience, this scene would underscore the legitimacy of Paul's work under Roman law and the failure of local opposition when justice was properly administered.

ἐκβάλλω (ekballō, G1544) — to cast out, often with more forceful or violent connotation, used for exorcisms or expulsions. ἀπολύω (apolyō, G630) — to release or dismiss, often in legal or relational contexts (e.g., divorce, releasing a prisoner).

Word Details

Scripture References