ἀπαρνέομαι (aparneomai)
aparneomai
to deny
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aparneomai means to deny or refuse to acknowledge a connection with someone. In the New Testament, it carries two distinct uses that reveal its depth. First, it describes Peter’s public rejection of Jesus before the crucifixion, where he explicitly denies knowing his master (Matthew 26:75). This usage highlights a complete severing of relationship under pressure.
Second, and more significantly for discipleship, it means to renounce oneself. When Jesus calls followers to take up their cross, he uses this word to describe losing sight of one’s own interests and identity (Mark 8:34). It is not merely saying no to a person, but a decisive turning away from self-centeredness. The prefix "apo" suggests a removal or separation, indicating that true discipleship requires letting go of the ego.
This word appears eleven times in the Gospels, primarily in the Synoptic accounts. Translators often render it as "deny," which can sound passive. However, the Greek implies an active choice to disown one’s former life. It stands in contrast to confession; just as acknowledging Christ is central to faith, denying oneself is the necessary cost of following Him.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aparneomai describes a decisive turning away from self. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it to define the cost of discipleship. He does not ask for passive agreement but an active choice to let go of personal ambitions and ego. This renunciation is not about hating oneself, but about reordering priorities so that Christ comes first.
We see this tension clearly in Peter’s story. He confidently declared he would never deny Jesus, yet under pressure, fear took over. His subsequent grief shows that failure is part of the human experience, but it does not end God’s grace. The call to deny oneself remains an invitation to trust God more than our own strength.
When we face moments where faith feels costly, this word reminds us that true life is found in surrender. It is a daily practice of choosing alignment with Jesus over immediate comfort. This path leads not to loss, but to the freedom of being fully known and loved by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will deny3×
- you will deny.2×
- he should deny2×
- I will deny.2×
- you may deny1×
- will be denied1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπαρνήσῃ4×
- ἀπαρνήσῃ.2×
- ἀπαρνήσομαι.2×
- ἀπαρνησάσθω2×
- ἀπαρνηθήσεται1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
This verse establishes the core discipleship requirement, linking self-denial directly with taking up a cross and following Jesus.
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Mark 8:34
He called the multitude to himself with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Here Jesus repeats the call to the crowd, emphasizing that denying oneself is the foundational step for anyone who wishes to come after Him.
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Luke 12:9
but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of God’s angels.
This occurrence shifts the focus from self-renunciation to public confession, warning that rejecting Christ before others leads to rejection by God.
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Matthew 26:75
Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then he went out and wept bitterly.
Peter’s bitter weeping after denying Jesus illustrates the profound sorrow that follows failure and the need for repentance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does aparneomai mean in the New Testament?
How is aparneomai different from simple denial?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Does denying oneself mean hating one’s life?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and…
Matthew 26:34Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
Matthew 26:35Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.
Matthew 26:75Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then…