ἀποπίπτω (apopiptō)
apopiptō
to fall from
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apopiptō describes a physical falling off or slipping down from something. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 9:18, to depict scales falling from Saul’s eyes after his encounter with Jesus. This concrete image marks the immediate restoration of his sight and the beginning of his transformation.
Its meaning is derived from the prefix apo, indicating separation or removal, combined with piptō, meaning to fall. The sources note that in the Septuagint, this word often translates Hebrew verbs for falling off or away, suggesting a loss of attachment or position. Here, it signifies not just a visual change, but the removal of a barrier that had previously obscured Saul’s understanding.
Translators typically render this as "fell" or "slipped off," capturing the sudden and physical nature of the event. The word emphasizes the decisive moment when what once covered the eyes is no longer there, allowing for clear vision. This single usage highlights how a simple action can symbolize a profound shift in perception and identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apopiptō captures a sudden, physical removal of what once blocked vision. In Acts 9:18, scales fell from Saul’s eyes, restoring his sight instantly after his encounter with Jesus. This image reminds us that spiritual blindness can be lifted by God’s grace, allowing us to see clearly for the first time.
When barriers fade and we gain new understanding, it often brings a sense of relief and hope. This word encourages us that even when confusion or pain obscures our path, God can remove what hinders us, opening our eyes to truth and peace. It is a reminder that transformation begins with His intervention.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fell1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπέπεσαν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:18
Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized.
The scales falling from Saul’s eyes mark the immediate end of his blindness and the start of his new life in Christ.