ἀπελπίζω (apelpizō)
apelpizō
to despair
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apelpizō carries a dual meaning that hinges on context: it can describe giving up in despair, or conversely, expecting to receive something. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Luke 6:35, where Jesus instructs his followers to lend without expecting anything back. Here, the sense is not hopelessness but rather the anticipation of a return or reward.
Its formation combines the prefix apo, indicating separation or removal, with elpis, meaning hope. While the Septuagint often uses it for deep despair in difficult circumstances, Luke’s usage flips the expectation. Instead of hoping for human repayment, the command is to lend freely, removing the motive of gain from the act itself.
This single occurrence highlights a radical ethical standard. By negating the hope of return, Jesus redefines generosity as an act of grace rather than transaction. The word thus marks a shift from self-interested expectation to selfless giving, challenging readers to consider the true motives behind their actions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apelpizō appears only once in the New Testament, found in Luke 6:35. In this verse, Jesus tells us to lend expecting nothing back. The Greek term here does not mean losing hope or falling into despair. Instead, it describes a deliberate choice to remove the expectation of repayment from your heart.
This teaching challenges us to look at our own motives when we give. We often help others with an invisible ledger in mind, hoping for thanks or reciprocity. Jesus invites a different path: giving freely because God is generous, not because you expect a return. It is a call to trust God’s provision rather than relying on human gratitude.
When you release the need for someone to pay you back, your love becomes a true gift. This freedom allows you to serve without anxiety about the outcome. You can act with kindness simply because it reflects the character of the Father, who is kind even to those who do not deserve it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- expecting in return;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπελπίζοντες·1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
This verse uses apelpizō to command believers to lend without expecting repayment, redefining generosity as an act of grace rather than a transaction.