ἀποτάσσω (apotassō)
apotassō
to leave
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apotassomai describes the act of taking leave or bidding farewell to someone. It appears six times in the New Testament, primarily in Luke and Acts, capturing a formal separation between people. In Mark 6:46, Jesus uses it to describe withdrawing from the crowd after feeding the five thousand, highlighting a deliberate moment of solitude rather than a casual goodbye.
Its meaning extends beyond simple parting to include renouncing or forsaking. This deeper sense is visible in Luke 14:33, where Jesus speaks of giving up all possessions, using a term that implies a decisive break from previous attachments. The word combines the idea of separation with a finality that marks the end of a relationship or commitment.
Translators often render it as "take leave" or "bid farewell," though the context determines whether the tone is neutral or solemn. In Acts 18:21, Paul uses it to announce his intention to return later, showing its use for planned departures. The word carries weight in how Christians understand letting go of earthly ties to follow Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word apotassō describes a deliberate act of taking leave. It is not a casual wave goodbye, but a formal separation that marks a clear end to a current season. In Mark 6:46, Jesus uses this term after feeding the five thousand. He withdraws from the crowd to pray alone on a mountain. This shows that stepping away from busy relationships can be a holy practice for spiritual renewal.
Jesus also uses this word in Luke 14:33 to describe the cost of discipleship. He speaks of renouncing all possessions to follow Him. Here, the term implies a decisive break from previous attachments. It suggests that following Christ may require letting go of deep ties to comfort or security.
Paul uses this same word in Acts 18:21 when leaving Ephesus. He tells his friends he will return if God wills it. This shows that parting can carry hope for future reunion. When we face endings in our own lives, we can trust that God is present in the letting go.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having taken leave3×
- to bid farewell1×
- having taken leave of1×
- does give up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποταξάμενος4×
- ἀποτάσσεται1×
- ἀποτάξασθαι1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 6:46
After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray.
Jesus uses this term to describe withdrawing from the crowd for solitary prayer, highlighting the need for intentional separation.
-
Luke 14:33
So therefore, whoever of you who doesn’t renounce all that he has, he can’t be my disciple.
The word implies a decisive renunciation of all possessions as a condition for discipleship, showing its weightier sense of forsaking.
-
Acts 18:21
but taking his leave of them, he said, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will return again to you if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
Paul uses it to announce a planned departure with an expectation of return, showing its use for temporary but formal leave.