ἀπολύω (apoluō)
apoluō
to release: release
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 62 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apoluo means to set free or let go, covering a wide range of actions from releasing prisoners to dismissing crowds. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in Matthew and Luke to describe Jesus sending people away after feeding them (Matthew 14:15) or allowing a woman to leave after being healed (Luke 13:12). The word captures the finality of an action where someone is no longer detained.
Its meaning extends beyond physical release into legal and relational spheres. It describes the dismissal of a debtor’s obligation (Matthew 18:27) and, significantly, the act of divorce, where one partner is sent away from the marriage (Matthew 5:31). In these contexts, apoluo signifies a decisive separation or the granting of liberty to depart.
The term combines apo ("from") and luo ("loosen"), suggesting the unbinding or removal of constraints. This etymology highlights its use in both literal contexts, such as releasing captives (John 19:10), and metaphorical ones, like forgiving sins (Luke 6:37). The consistent thread is the transition from a state of restriction to one of freedom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word apoluo carries the simple but profound idea of setting someone free from a constraint. Whether it describes sending a hungry crowd home after a meal, releasing a prisoner, or ending a legal obligation, the core action is the removal of a burden. For you, this word reminds us that God’s freedom is not just an abstract concept but a tangible relief from what holds us back.
In the Gospels, Jesus uses this term to show compassion. He sends people away so they can rest and eat, or he releases them from debts they could not pay. This pattern reveals a heart that does not keep people in unnecessary bondage. When you face situations where you feel stuck or weighed down, remember that the God who apoluo is ready to loosen those ties for you.
This freedom is not merely physical; it extends to our relationships and spiritual standing. The word appears in contexts of divorce and debt forgiveness, highlighting the seriousness of letting go. It invites us to trust that release is often the first step toward healing and new beginnings, grounded in the grace that sets us free.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 62 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to release5×
- I may release5×
- do dismiss4×
- to send away3×
- to divorce3×
- released3×
- they let go2×
- may divorce2×
- he released2×
- having dismissed2×
- do release2×
- I will release [Him].2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπολῦσαι9×
- ἀπέλυσεν7×
- ἀπόλυσον6×
- ἀπολύσω6×
- ἀπολύσῃ5×
- ἀπέλυσαν3×
- ἀπολύων2×
- ἀπολύσω.2×
- ἀπολύσας2×
- ἀπολύειν2×
- Ἀπολυθέντες1×
- ἀπέλυσεν.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 14:23
After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.
This verse shows Jesus sending the crowds away specifically to create space for solitary prayer, illustrating how release can be a necessary step for spiritual intimacy.
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Matthew 18:27
The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt.
Here the word describes the master releasing a servant from an impossible debt, serving as a powerful metaphor for God’s forgiveness of our spiritual obligations.
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Matthew 27:26
Then he released Barabbas to them, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.
The contrast between Barabbas being released and Jesus being handed over highlights the substitutionary nature of Christ’s sacrifice, where He took the place of the freed prisoner.
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Matthew 5:31
“It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’
This reference grounds the word in its legal context of divorce, showing how apoluo was used to formally end a marital covenant through a written certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does apoluo mean in the New Testament?
How is apoluo different from other words for 'free'?
Where does apoluo appear most frequently?
Does apoluo always mean physical release?
Every Occurrence (62 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 18 verses
Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away…
Matthew 5:31“It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’
Matthew 5:32but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and…
Matthew 14:15When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send…
Matthew 14:22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the…
Matthew 14:23After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was…
Matthew 15:23But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”
Matthew 15:32Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now…
Matthew 15:39Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.
Matthew 18:27The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt.
Matthew 19:3Pharisees came to him, testing him and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
Matthew 19:7They asked him, “Why then did Moses command us to give her a certificate of divorce and divorce her?”
Matthew 19:8He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the…
Matthew 19:9I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he…
Matthew 27:15Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner whom they desired.
Matthew 27:17When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or…
Matthew 27:21But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”
Matthew 27:26Then he released Barabbas to them, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.