ἀπωθέω

I push or thrust away, reject

Definition

The verb ἀπωθέω means to forcefully push away or thrust aside, often with a sense of deliberate rejection or repudiation. In its New Testament usage, it primarily describes the act of rejecting people or divine counsel, as when the Israelites rejected Moses (Acts 7:27, 39) or when Paul and Barnabas declared they were turning to the Gentiles after being rejected by the Jews (Acts 13:46). It also carries a spiritual sense of rejecting faith or a good conscience, as in 1 Timothy 1:19. A distinct, more positive nuance appears in Romans 11:1-2, where Paul asks, 'Has God rejected his people?' using the word to explore God's faithfulness despite Israel's unbelief.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used six times in the New Testament, appearing in Acts, Romans, and 1 Timothy. It consistently describes a strong, active rejection, often in a relational or covenantal context. In Acts, it depicts the rejection of God's messengers (Moses in Acts 7:27, 39) and the gospel message itself (Acts 13:46). In Romans 11:1-2, it frames a theological question about God's rejection of Israel. In 1 Timothy 1:19, it describes the personal, spiritual consequence of rejecting faith and a good conscience.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'away from') and the verb ὠθέω (ōtheō, meaning 'to push' or 'thrust'). The compound form intensifies the sense of pushing something away. It is related to simpler verbs for pushing but carries a stronger connotation of deliberate and forceful rejection.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes humanity's rejection of God's messengers, word, and ultimately His grace, as seen in Acts. Conversely, in Romans 11, it raises the profound question of whether God has rejected His people, highlighting the theme of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that biblical 'rejection' is not a passive dismissal but an active, forceful repudiation with serious relational consequences.

In the Greco-Roman world, the act of 'pushing away' could have legal or social connotations, such as formally disowning or repudiating someone. In a Jewish context, rejecting a prophet or God's law was a grave covenantal failure. The word's force would have been clearly understood as a decisive and definitive act of refusal.

ἀθετέω (atheteō, G114) — focuses on nullifying or setting aside an agreement or command. παραιτέομαι (paraitcomai, G3868) — often means to refuse or decline a request, less forceful. ἐκβάλλω (ekballō, G1544) — means to cast or drive out, more physical expulsion.

Word Details

Scripture References