ἀποστρέφω

I turn away, restore, reject

Definition

The verb ἀποστρέφω carries three primary meanings in the New Testament. First, it means to physically turn something away or back, as in turning away a sword (Matthew 26:52) or turning away from someone in rejection (2 Timothy 1:15). Second, it can mean to restore or turn back something to its original state or owner, a sense used when God promises to 'turn away' ungodliness from Jacob (Romans 11:26) and when Peter speaks of God having sent Jesus to 'turn' people from wickedness (Acts 3:26). Third, in the middle voice, it intensifies to mean a deliberate rejection or desertion, as when people 'turn away' from the truth (2 Timothy 4:4).

Biblical Usage

ἀποστρέφω is used in various contexts across Gospels, Acts, and Epistles. In the Gospels, it describes physical actions like turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:42) and Judas returning the silver (Matthew 27:3). In Acts 3:26, it has a positive, salvific sense of God turning people from sin. In the epistles, especially 2 Timothy, it describes spiritual apostasy—people turning away from Paul (2 Timothy 1:15) and from sound teaching (2 Timothy 4:4). The word's meaning is heavily dependent on its grammatical voice and context.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'away from') and the verb στρέφω (strephō, meaning 'to turn'). It literally means 'to turn away from.' This compound form emphasizes a directional change or reversal. The root στρέφω is common in Greek, and the prefix ἀπό specifies the direction of the turning.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures both human and divine action in redemption and rebellion. In a positive sense, it describes God's initiative in turning people from sin (Acts 3:26), a core theme of repentance and restoration. In a negative sense, it starkly portrays human apostasy—the willful turning away from God's truth and His messengers (2 Timothy 4:4). Understanding this range highlights the biblical tension between divine grace and human responsibility.

In the Greco-Roman world, the act of physically turning one's back or turning something away was a powerful gesture of rejection, disdain, or refusal. This physical-cultural reality informs the metaphorical use for spiritual rejection. The concept of 'restoring' or 'turning back' also aligns with Jewish prophetic themes of returning to God and covenant faithfulness.

στρέφω (strephō, G4762) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to turn' or 'rotate,' without the directional emphasis of 'away from.' ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō, G1994) — Means 'to turn to' or 'return,' often used for conversion or repentance, the opposite directional focus. ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi, G868) — Means 'to depart from' or 'fall away,' focusing on the state of separation rather than the act of turning.

Word Details

Scripture References