ἀπέχω (apechō)
apechō
to have in full
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apechō carries the core idea of holding something in full possession or having received what is due. In practical usage, it often appears in contexts involving payment or reward, such as when Jesus describes those who have already received their comfort in full (Luke 6:24). This sense of completion is also clear in Paul’s letter to Philemon, where he notes that Onesimus has repaid what was owed (Philemon 15), indicating a settled account.
Beyond financial or legal settlement, the word conveys the notion of sufficiency. In Mark 14:41, Jesus tells his disciples that it is enough, using the impersonal form to signal that the appointed time has arrived and no further action is needed. This usage highlights a state of being satisfied or having reached the limit of what is required.
The word also functions intransitively to describe physical distance or separation. It appears when Jesus is away from his disciples, such as when he prays on a mountain while they are in the boat (Mark 6:48) or when the two disciples walk to Emmaus, far from Jerusalem (Luke 24:13). In these instances, apechō simply denotes being absent or distant from a place or person.
Finally, the middle voice of the verb shifts the focus to personal conduct, meaning to abstain from something. This usage appears in lists of moral instructions, such as the apostolic decree for Gentile believers (Acts 15:29) and Paul’s exhortation to avoid sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Here, the word emphasizes a deliberate holding back or refraining from specific actions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apechō carries a quiet weight of completion. It describes the moment when what is owed is fully received, leaving nothing more to be claimed or given. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses this idea to warn against seeking human applause for acts of mercy or prayer. When we perform these duties solely for recognition, we have already collected our full payment in the form of fleeting praise. The account is settled, and no further reward remains from God.
Yet this sense of sufficiency also offers relief. In Mark 14:41, Jesus tells his weary disciples to sleep because the appointed time has arrived. There is a peace in knowing that our efforts have reached their limit and that God’s timing is precise. We do not need to strive endlessly to earn what has already been provided or to force outcomes beyond what is required.
For those walking in faith, this word invites trust in divine provision. It reminds us that we are not left lacking, nor are we burdened by endless demands. Whether we are resting in the knowledge of our sufficiency in Christ or stepping back from harmful paths as instructed in Acts 15, apechō points to a life held securely in God’s hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they have3×
- being distant3×
- to abstain2×
- is kept2×
- you may possess;1×
- you are receiving1×
- was fully1×
- to abstain from1×
- do abstain.1×
- [commanding] to abstain1×
- To abstain1×
- It is enough,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπέχεσθαι5×
- ἀπέχουσιν3×
- ἀπέχοντος2×
- ἀπέχει2×
- ἀπέχῃς·1×
- ἀπέχω1×
- ἀπέχουσαν1×
- ἀπέχετε1×
- ἀπέχεσθε.1×
- ἀπέχει,1×
- ἀπεῖχεν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 6:2
Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
This verse establishes the spiritual principle that seeking human approval exhausts the reward, leaving the seeker with only what was already obtained.
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Luke 6:24
“But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation.
Here the word underscores the tragedy of those who find their complete comfort in worldly wealth, having no further hope for eternal consolation.
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Mark 14:41
He came the third time and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Jesus uses this term to signal that the disciples' period of vigilance is over and the divine plan is now in motion.
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Acts 15:29
that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”
The middle voice here shifts the focus to personal discipline, instructing believers to hold back from specific practices that harm their witness.
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Philemon 1:15
For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while that you would have him forever,
This reference highlights how separation can serve a greater purpose, allowing for a relationship that is restored and made permanent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does apechō mean in the context of rewards?
How is apechō used in moral instructions?
Does this word refer to physical distance?
Why is this word significant for understanding Jesus' teachings?
Every Occurrence (19 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 5 verses
Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues…
Matthew 6:5“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the…
Matthew 6:16“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be…
Matthew 14:24But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
Matthew 15:8‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.