ἀπολείπω (apoleipō)
apoleipō
to leave
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apoleipō carries the core meaning of leaving something behind or abandoning it. In the New Testament, it appears in nine verses, with a notable concentration in the pastoral letters and Hebrews. Its usage ranges from the physical act of departing to leave an object or person, to the more severe sense of desertion or forsaking.
A distinct technical use arises in the context of wills, where it describes what is left behind by the testator. This legal nuance adds weight to passages like 2 Timothy 4:13 and 4:20, where Paul mentions leaving his cloak and books with specific individuals. It implies a deliberate act of retention or transfer rather than mere accidental loss.
In Hebrews, the word takes on a theological dimension regarding what remains after judgment or failure. For instance, Hebrews 10:26 speaks of no sacrifice remaining for sinners who deliberately reject Christ. Here, the passive sense highlights what is reserved or left over when other options are exhausted. The term underscores finality, whether in personal relationships or spiritual standing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word apoleipō simply means to leave behind. It covers everyday actions, like Paul leaving his cloak at Troas, and serious spiritual realities, like the sacrifice that remains for those who reject Christ. This verb reminds us that our choices have lasting consequences. What we leave behind shapes our future and our relationships.
In daily life, this word highlights the importance of stewardship. When Paul asked Timothy to bring his books, he showed that materials matter. In spiritual matters, it warns us that abandoning faith leaves no other option for forgiveness. Yet it also offers hope: Hebrews tells us a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people.
Whether you are managing possessions or navigating faith, this word invites careful thought. It asks what you leave behind and what remains for you. May you find peace in knowing that Christ holds fast to those who trust Him, even when circumstances feel uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I left3×
- there remains1×
- separated her1×
- remains1×
- it remains [for]1×
- having left1×
- divorced1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπολείπεται3×
- ἀπέλιπον2×
- ἀπολελυμένην2×
- ἀπέλιπόν1×
- ἀπολιπόντας1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 4:13
Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
This verse shows the practical use of the word for leaving personal items behind, highlighting Paul's care for his ministry tools.
-
Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins,
Here the word carries a solemn theological weight, indicating that no other sacrifice remains for those who willfully reject the truth.
-
Hebrews 4:9
There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God.
This occurrence offers encouragement by stating that a Sabbath rest still remains available for the people of God.