ἀπειλέω (apeileō)
apeileō
to threaten
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apeileō means to threaten or menace, conveying a sense of intimidation through words or authority. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet each instance carries significant weight. In Acts 4:17, the Jewish authorities command Peter and John not to speak in Jesus’ name, using this term to describe their official warning against further preaching.
Its second occurrence is found in 1 Peter 2:23, where it describes how Jesus responded to those who insulted Him. Rather than retaliating with threats or counter-intimidation, He entrusted Himself to God. This usage highlights a stark contrast between human aggression and divine patience, showing that the power to threaten does not require a response of equal force.
The word derives from apeilē, meaning "threat." Its limited use in Scripture allows it to stand out clearly against other terms for anger or judgment. By focusing on these two passages, we see how the concept functions both as an instrument of human control and as something met with silent endurance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apeileō describes a sharp warning meant to silence or control. In Acts 4:17, religious leaders used it to stop Peter and John from sharing the gospel. Their threat was an attempt to limit the spread of truth through fear. This shows how authority can sometimes turn against justice when it feels challenged.
Yet 1 Peter 2:23 offers a different path. Jesus faced insults and suffering without issuing threats in return. He trusted God’s righteous judgment instead of seeking revenge. This example invites us to release the need to defend ourselves aggressively. When we feel attacked, we can choose peace over power.
God does not require us to match intimidation with intimidation. His strength is shown in restraint. We are free to leave our defense to Him, finding rest in the knowledge that He sees all things clearly and acts with perfect fairness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was threatening1×
- let us warn1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠπείλει,1×
- ἀπειλησώμεθα1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 4:17
But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.”
This verse shows the word used by authorities trying to suppress apostolic preaching through official intimidation.
-
I Peter 2:23
When he was cursed, he didn’t curse back. When he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously.
Here the word describes what Jesus deliberately did not do when insulted, highlighting His trust in God rather than retaliation.