ἀπεῖπον (apeipon)
apeipon
to renounce
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apeipon describes the act of formally renouncing or giving up something. As a second aorist form derived from a compound meaning "to speak out," it carries the weight of a decisive declaration. In the New Testament, this specific form appears only once, in 2 Corinthians 4:2, where Paul speaks of refusing to practice cunning or tamper with God’s word.
Lexical sources note that while the active voice can mean to forbid, this middle voice usage emphasizes personal abandonment or disowning. It is not merely a refusal but a conscious turning away from something previously held. The term reflects a clear break, marking a point where one publicly rejects a course of action or affiliation.
This single occurrence highlights Paul’s integrity in ministry. By using apeipon, he underscores that his message is unadulterated and not hidden for gain. The word serves as a strong statement of ethical boundary, showing that true service requires abandoning deceptive methods entirely.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apeipon captures a decisive moment of turning away from what is wrong. It is more than a simple refusal; it is a formal renunciation, a clear declaration that one will no longer hold onto deceptive practices. In ministry and daily life, this kind of honesty builds trust because people see that your actions match your words.
Paul used this strong language in 2 Corinthians 4:2 to show that he had given up the 'hidden things of shame.' He chose transparency over craftiness, even when it might have been easier to manipulate others for personal gain. This example reminds us that integrity is not just about avoiding sin, but actively rejecting methods that dishonor God.
When you face pressure to cut corners or hide the truth, remember that renouncing those shortcuts brings peace. It allows your conscience to remain clear before God and others. Choosing honesty, even when it is difficult, reflects the character of Christ who always spoke the truth in love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we have renounced1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπειπάμεθα1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 4:2
But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
This verse shows Paul actively abandoning deceptive tactics to maintain integrity in his ministry.