ἀπόθεσις (apothesis)
apothesis
removal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun apothesis describes the act of putting something off or away, much like removing an outer garment. In Scripture, it appears only twice, both times in Peter’s letters to describe the believer’s transition from earthly life to eternal glory. The word captures a sense of deliberate removal rather than accidental loss.
In 1 Peter 3:21, it refers to the "putting off" of the old self or the fleshly body, which is contrasted with the appeal to God for a clear conscience. Similarly, in 2 Peter 1:14, Paul (as quoted by Peter) anticipates the "putting off" of his tent-like body, signaling the end of his earthly ministry and physical existence. The term emphasizes the finality and completeness of this separation from the mortal frame.
Its root verb means to cast off or lay aside. This imagery resonates with the ancient practice of removing heavy robes for rest or change of activity. Here, it signifies not just death as an end, but as a shedding of limitations that hinders spiritual clarity and communion with God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apothesis paints a vivid picture of taking off heavy clothing after a long day. In Scripture, it describes the moment we shed our earthly bodies to step into eternal life. This is not a loss, but a relief—a removal of every limitation that keeps us from fully knowing God.
When Peter writes about the "putting off" of his tent-like body in 2 Peter 1:14, he looks forward with hope rather than fear. He knows this transition is swift and certain. For you, this means your current struggles are temporary garments that will soon be set aside.
Even in baptism, as noted in 1 Peter 3:21, this idea of putting off the old self points to a fresh start. It is an appeal for a clear conscience before God. You can trust that He is preparing you for a life where nothing stands between your heart and His presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- putting off1×
- a putting away1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπόθεσις2×
Key Verses
-
II Peter 1:14
knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
This verse uses the term to describe the imminent death of Peter's physical body, framing it as a necessary step toward his eternal inheritance.
-
I Peter 3:21
This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Here the word contrasts the external ritual with the internal reality of a good conscience, showing that true cleansing comes from within.