ἀποστυγέω (apostugeō)
apostugeō
to abhor
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apostugeō carries a weight far heavier than simple dislike or aversion. Derived from a prefix implying separation and a root meaning to hate, it describes a deep-seated repulsion or abhorrence. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Romans 12:9, where Paul instructs believers to "hate" what is evil. Here, it signifies a moral revulsion rather than an emotional outburst.
This rare usage highlights a specific ethical stance required of Christians. It is not about personal animosity toward people, but a firm rejection of sin itself. The intensity of the word suggests that genuine love for good must be accompanied by a visceral distaste for its opposite. Translators often render it as "abhor" or "hate" to preserve this strong sense of moral opposition.
By using such a forceful term, the text emphasizes that spiritual integrity requires clear boundaries. It is not enough to merely avoid evil; one must actively detest it. This creates a sharp contrast with the command to love others, showing that true compassion involves a steadfast refusal to condone wrongdoing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apostugeō describes a deep, moral repulsion toward what is wrong. It goes beyond simple dislike, pointing to a heart that turns away from sin with genuine revulsion. In Romans 12:9, Paul pairs this strong rejection of evil with a sincere clinging to good. This shows that true love is not passive; it actively opposes what harms others and corrupts the soul.
For your daily life, this means cultivating a clear moral compass. It invites you to examine what you tolerate in secret or excuse in public. When you truly abhor evil, you create space for goodness to flourish. This stance protects your heart and keeps your love for others pure, free from the compromise that often accompanies indifference.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- abhorring1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποστυγοῦντες1×
Key Verses
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Romans 12:9
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.
This verse uniquely commands believers to actively abhor evil as a necessary counterpart to sincere love.