ἀποβολή

a casting away, rejection, loss

Definition

ἀποβολή (apobolē) fundamentally means a 'casting away' or 'rejection,' often implying a deliberate or forceful removal. In its two New Testament occurrences, it carries distinct nuances. In Acts 27:22, it refers to the 'loss' of life—the physical destruction of the ship and its passengers during the storm. In Romans 11:15, Paul uses it theologically to describe Israel's 'rejection' by God, a temporary casting away that paradoxically leads to the reconciliation of the world. Thus, the word spans from concrete, physical loss to a profound spiritual state of being set aside.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two different contexts. In the historical narrative of Acts 27:22, it describes a tangible, physical 'loss' (of life and ship). In the theological argument of Romans 11:15, it describes a spiritual and corporate 'rejection,' specifically of Israel as a nation in its current state. The pattern shows its flexibility, applying to both earthly catastrophe and divine covenantal action.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἀποβάλλω (apoballō, G577), meaning 'to throw away from' or 'to cast off.' It is a compound of ἀπό (apo, 'away from') and βάλλω (ballō, 'to throw'). The noun form ἀποβολή thus encapsulates the action or result of casting something away, leading to its core meanings of rejection, loss, or removal.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant, especially in Romans 11:15, where it is central to Paul's explanation of God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles. Understanding 'rejection' (ἀποβολή) here is key to grasping the doctrine of Israel's temporary hardening, the inclusion of the Gentiles, and the future hope of Israel's restoration ('acceptance'). It highlights God's sovereign, paradoxical workings in salvation history.

In a Greco-Roman context, the term could be used for discarding worthless objects or for military losses. Paul's use in Romans would resonate with the cultural understanding of rejection, but he infuses it with specific covenantal meaning related to God's promises to Israel, a concept unique to the biblical worldview.

ἀπώλεια (apōleia, G684) — emphasizes ruin or destruction, often eternal. | ἔκβασις (ekbasis, G1545) — a way out or result, less forceful. | παραίτησις (paraitēsis, G393) — a refusal or rejection, often in the sense of declining something offered.

Word Details

Scripture References