ῥιπτέω

I throw away

Definition

ῥιπτέω (ripteō) means to throw, cast, or hurl something away, often with a sense of force or rejection. In its only New Testament occurrence in Acts 22:23, it describes the crowd throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air as a dramatic, violent expression of outrage and protest against Paul's speech. This action signifies not merely discarding but a vehement, symbolic casting away of impurity or accusation. While the core meaning is physical throwing, the context imbues it with strong emotional and symbolic rejection.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 22:23. It describes the furious reaction of the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem after Paul recounts his vision and call to minister to the Gentiles. The usage is highly contextual and vivid, depicting a scene of public tumult and vehement disapproval, where physical actions (throwing garments and dust) serve as expressions of profound religious and cultural offense.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root ῥιπ- (rhip-), which relates to throwing or a sudden movement. It is connected to the noun ῥιπή (rhipē), meaning a throw or a swing. The verb form ῥιπτέω implies a forceful, deliberate act of casting or hurling, often away from oneself.

Semantic Range

While used only once, the action in Acts 22:23 is theologically significant. It visually encapsulates the intense rejection of Paul's message—and by extension, the gospel's inclusion of the Gentiles—by a portion of the Jewish people. The violent, symbolic casting away of dust (often associated with shaking off condemnation, cf. Matthew 10:14) underscores the deep conflict surrounding the expansion of the early church. Understanding this forceful term highlights the visceral opposition the early apostles faced.

In the cultural setting of Acts 22:23, throwing dust into the air was a recognized gesture of extreme grief, outrage, or protest (see also Acts 22:22-23). Similarly, throwing off one's outer garments could indicate preparing for violent action or expressing vehement disapproval. These were public, symbolic acts understood within the Mediterranean world as displays of intense emotion and social censure, far beyond a simple 'discarding' of items.

βάλλω (ballō, G906) — a more general, common verb for 'to throw' or 'put'. ῥιπτέω implies a more forceful, vehement, or dismissive hurling away. ἀπορρίπτω (aporiptō, G641) — a compound verb meaning 'to throw off or away from,' emphasizing the direction (away), used in Acts 27:43 for throwing oneself into the sea.

Word Details

Scripture References