ἀποκατάστασις (apokatastasis)
apokatastasis
restoration
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun apokatastasis means a bringing back to a former state, or restoration. It is built from the prefix apo ("back") and katahistemi ("to place" or "to establish"), literally describing the act of setting something back in its original position. In secular Greek, it often referred to physical repairs or the rebuilding of structures, but in Scripture, it carries a heavier theological weight.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 3:21. There, Peter speaks of Jesus remaining in heaven until "the time for the restoration of all things." The context suggests a cosmic renewal rather than just individual repair, pointing to a future era when creation itself will be fully reestablished according to God's original design.
While some later Christian traditions used this term to argue for universal salvation, the biblical usage here focuses on the renewal of all creation. It describes a definitive turning point where God restores order and peace, fulfilling the promises made through the prophets.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apokatastasis speaks of a deep and hopeful return to how things were meant to be. It combines the ideas of moving back and establishing something firmly in its right place. In Acts 3:21, Peter uses this term to describe a future time when God will restore all things. This is not just about fixing small errors but about a complete renewal of creation itself.
For your faith, this offers a powerful assurance that history is moving toward peace and order. The world may feel broken or chaotic now, but Scripture points to a definitive turning point where God sets everything right. It fulfills the ancient promises made by the prophets, showing that God’s plan includes a total restoration of harmony.
This hope encourages us to live with patience and trust. We do not have to carry the weight of a broken world alone. God is working toward a time when all things will be reestablished according to His original design. This promise invites us to look forward with confidence, knowing that restoration is part of God’s faithful character.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of restoration1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποκαταστάσεως1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 3:21
whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets.
This verse uniquely uses the term to describe the cosmic renewal of all things that God promised through the prophets.