ἀποστασία (apostasia)
apostasia
apostasy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun apostasia describes a deliberate act of turning away or rebellion. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to religious defection rather than political insurrection, marking a break from faithfulness to God. This usage aligns with its appearance in the Septuagint for Hebrew terms meaning treachery or unfaithfulness.
Scripture employs this term sparingly but significantly, appearing only twice in the New Testament: Acts 21:21 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3. In these contexts, it signifies a conscious abandonment of the faith, highlighting the seriousness of such a departure from Christian commitment.
Its root verb, apostēmi, means to stand away or withdraw. The noun thus captures the state resulting from that action—a settled position of opposition or separation. Translators typically render it as "apostasy" or "falling away," preserving the gravity of a complete reversal of allegiance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for apostasy carries a heavy weight, describing a deliberate turning away from God rather than a momentary stumble. It marks a conscious break in loyalty, a decision to withdraw from the faith one once held dear. This is not about doubt or confusion, but a settled position of opposition that severs the bond of trust.
When we read about this in Scripture, it serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of our commitment. It calls us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our allegiance remains fixed on Christ despite external pressures or internal struggles. The warning is clear: do not let deception lead you into such a departure.
Yet, this reality also highlights the necessity of steadfastness. We are invited to remain rooted in truth, supported by community and Scripture, so that we might stand firm when challenges arise. It is a call to vigilance, trusting that God’s grace sustains us through every season of testing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- apostasy2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποστασίαν1×
- ἀποστασία1×
Key Verses
-
II Thessalonians 2:3
Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction.
This verse identifies the 'rebellion' as a necessary precursor to the end times, linking apostasy directly to eschatological events and spiritual deception.
-
Acts 21:21
They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children and not to walk after the customs.
Here the term is used in a context of false accusations against Paul, showing how claims of forsaking Moses were viewed as a serious breach of covenant faithfulness.