ἀπελπίζω

I despair

Definition

ἀπελπίζω is a Greek verb meaning 'to despair' or 'to give up hope.' In its only New Testament occurrence in Luke 6:35, it carries the positive sense of 'to hope for in return' or 'to expect something back,' specifically in the context of lending without expecting repayment. This usage presents a nuanced meaning where the prefix ἀ- (a-) can function not just as a negative but sometimes intensifies or redirects the root meaning. Thus, in this verse, it conveys the idea of acting without the ordinary human expectation of reciprocal benefit.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 6:35. It appears in Jesus' teaching about loving one's enemies, where believers are instructed to lend, 'despairing of no one' (μὴδὲν ἀπελπίζοντες), often translated as 'expecting nothing in return.' The context is ethical instruction on radical, unconditional generosity that mirrors God's own kindness to the ungrateful and wicked.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix ἀ- (a-), which can mean 'not' or 'without,' and the root ἐλπίζω (elpizō, G1679), meaning 'to hope.' Literally, it means 'to be without hope.' However, in its sole biblical usage, the prefix seems to convey the sense of 'away from' a typical hope or expectation, leading to the specific meaning of acting without expecting anything back.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates a key aspect of Christian ethics: selfless, grace-motivated love that does not seek repayment. It highlights the nature of God's love, which is given freely, and calls believers to imitate that character. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Luke 6:35 by emphasizing the countercultural, unconditional nature of Christian generosity, which is rooted in hope in God rather than in human reciprocity.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish cultural context, lending and reciprocity were deeply embedded in social and economic systems. Loans often created bonds of patronage and obligation. Jesus' command to lend 'ἀπελπίζοντες' (without expecting anything back) would have been strikingly radical, challenging conventional social contracts and advocating for a generosity that transcends calculated exchange.

ἐλπίζω (elpizō, G1679) — the common verb 'to hope' or 'to expect,' from which ἀπελπίζω is derived. ἀγνοέω (agnoeō, G50) — 'to be ignorant, not to know'; differs as it concerns knowledge rather than expectation. προσδοκάω (prosdokaō, G4328) — 'to expect, await'; a more general term for anticipation without the specific nuance of acting without hope of return.

Word Details

Scripture References