ἀπορρίπτω

I throw away from, throw overboard

Definition

The verb ἀπορρίπτω means to throw away from oneself, to cast off, or to throw overboard. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 27:43, it carries the literal, physical sense of throwing something into the sea, specifically the ship's cargo and tackle to lighten the vessel during the storm. This action was a desperate maritime measure for survival. While not used elsewhere in the New Testament, the word's core meaning implies a decisive, forceful rejection or discarding of an object or burden.

Biblical Usage

ἀπορρίπτω is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:43, within the narrative of Paul's shipwreck. The centurion, wanting to save Paul, prevents the soldiers from killing the prisoners and instead orders those who can swim to 'throw themselves overboard' (ἀπορρίψαντας) first and get to land. The usage is strictly literal and situational, describing a life-or-death physical action in a perilous sea voyage.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'away from') and the verb ῥίπτω (rhiptō, meaning 'to throw, hurl'). The compound intensifies the sense of casting something away from the subject. It shares a root with other 'throwing' words in Greek, emphasizing a forceful, deliberate action of rejection or disposal.

Semantic Range

While ἀπορρίπτω itself is not a theologically loaded term, its use in Acts 27:43 is part of a larger narrative demonstrating God's sovereign protection and faithfulness to His promise to Paul (Acts 27:24). The act of throwing oneself into the sea, trusting in the ability to swim to shore, can be seen as a metaphor for faith and obedience in the midst of chaos, following divine guidance even when the immediate action seems perilous. It highlights a moment of decisive action taken to preserve life and fulfill God's purpose.

In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, sea travel was dangerous and storms were feared. The action described—throwing cargo or people overboard (ἀπορρίπτω)—was a recognized, last-resort maneuver to lighten a ship taking on water and prevent it from sinking. This would have been a vivid and understandable image of desperation and survival for Luke's original readers, far more immediate than for most modern readers.

βάλλω (ballō, G906) — a more general verb for 'to throw' or 'to put,' without the inherent sense of 'away from.' ἐκβάλλω (ekballō, G1544) — means 'to cast out' or 'drive out,' often with a sense of expulsion or force, used frequently for casting out demons. ῥίπτω (rhiptō, G4496) — the simpler root verb meaning 'to throw' or 'hurl.'

Word Details

Scripture References