ἀπογενόμενος (apogenomenos)
apogenomenos
to cease to be
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word apogenomenos is a rare Greek term found only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 2:24. It functions as a past participle meaning "to cease to be" or "to depart life." The source material identifies it primarily with dying, but specifically describes a state of being removed from something.
In its single biblical occurrence, the term is used metaphorically rather than literally. Peter writes that Christ bore sins in his body on the tree so that believers might "die to sin." Here, apogenomenos does not describe physical death but a decisive break with the old way of life. The prefix apo indicates separation, suggesting a complete removal from the power or presence of sin.
This usage highlights a theological shift from mere existence to active separation. While the root verb signifies departing life, the context in 1 Peter frames this departure as a positive liberation. Believers are called to cease their former relationship with sin, just as Christ’s death removed him from the burden of those sins.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apogenomenos appears only once in Scripture, nestled within Peter’s letter to believers facing difficult circumstances. It describes a decisive departure from sin, not as a gradual fading, but as a complete break. When Christ bore our sins on the cross, He made it possible for us to cease being defined by our past failures.
This is good news for anyone who feels trapped by old habits or guilt. The text shows that your new identity in Christ is real and active. You are not just trying harder to be better; you have been given a fresh start. His wounds brought healing, allowing you to live for what is right instead of being pulled back into what was wrong.
May this truth bring you peace today. Remember that your past does not dictate your future. Christ’s work was enough to set you free, inviting you to walk in the light of His righteousness with confidence and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having been dead1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπογενόμενοι1×