ἀποτινάσσω

I shake off

Definition

The verb ἀποτινάσσω means to shake something off from oneself, typically with a deliberate, forceful motion. In its two New Testament occurrences, it describes the physical act of shaking off dust (Luke 9:5) or an animal (Acts 28:5). The action signifies a complete rejection or disassociation from something considered unclean, harmful, or opposed to one's mission. In Luke 9:5, it is a symbolic act of judgment against a rejecting town, while in Acts 28:5, it is a literal, self-protective response to a venomous snake.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in narrative contexts describing a decisive physical action. In Luke 9:5, Jesus instructs his disciples to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against towns that do not receive them, a symbolic gesture of disassociation. In Acts 28:5, Paul shakes the viper from his hand into the fire after being bitten on Malta, demonstrating a practical, unpanicked response to danger. The usage pattern shows it applied to both a ritual-symbolic act and a literal, life-saving one.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'from' or 'off') and the verb τινάσσω (tinassō, meaning 'I shake' or 'I agitate'). It is a compound verb that intensifies the base meaning to specifically denote shaking something *off* or *away from* oneself. The root τινάσσω is used in classical and Koine Greek for shaking garments, trees, or one's limbs.

Semantic Range

Theologically, this word illustrates the concept of clean separation and testimony. In Luke 9:5, the act of shaking off dust is not merely hygienic but a profound symbolic gesture, drawn from Jewish practice, signifying that the messengers are free from responsibility for the town's judgment and that the town has made itself like a pagan, unclean place. It underscores the seriousness of rejecting the gospel message. In Acts 28:5, Paul's action, followed by his suffering no harm, becomes a sign that confirms God's protection and favor upon him as his appointed messenger, turning a moment of crisis into a testimony.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, dust from a foreign or Gentile road was considered ritually defiling. Shaking it off one's feet or garments was a practiced symbol of renouncing association and leaving responsibility for judgment with those who rejected the traveler. The action in Luke 9:5 would have been clearly understood by a Jewish audience as a severe warning. The act in Acts 28:5 reflects a common-sense response to a sudden animal attack, but its placement in the narrative highlights it as a sign of divine favor, countering the Maltese natives' expectation of immediate divine vengeance (Acts 28:4).

ἐκτινάσσω (ektinassō, G1621) — a near synonym also meaning 'to shake off,' but with a stronger emphasis on shaking out (ek) completely; used in Mark 6:11 and Acts 13:51 for the same symbolic act as Luke 9:5. σείω (seiō, G4579) — a more general term for shaking or agitating, used for earthquakes or shaking objects (e.g., Matthew 27:51, Acts 16:26).

Word Details

Scripture References