ἀποχωρέω (apochōreō)
apochōreō
to leave
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apochōreō describes the physical act of going away or withdrawing from a place or person. It appears only three times in the New Testament, marking moments where characters remove themselves from a situation. In Matthew 7:23, Jesus uses it to describe those who claim to have worked for Him but are told to "depart" because He never knew them. This usage emphasizes a final separation rather than a casual exit.
Its meaning is straightforward: to leave or withdraw. The word combines a prefix indicating separation with a root related to space or room, suggesting moving out of someone’s presence or sphere. In Luke 9:39 and Acts 13:13, it similarly denotes leaving a specific location or group. Translators typically render it as "go away" or "depart," capturing the simple yet decisive nature of the action without adding emotional weight.
Unlike words that might imply regret or hesitation, apochōreō is neutral in tone. It simply records movement away from a point of contact. Whether in judgment, conflict, or travel, the word focuses on the fact of departure itself. Its rare appearance in Scripture highlights specific instances where separation becomes necessary or significant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apochōreō simply means to leave or withdraw. It describes the physical act of moving away from a person or place. In Scripture, this action often marks a clear boundary or a necessary separation. It is not usually about anger, but about distance.
We see this in Acts 13:13, where John leaves Paul’s group to return home. This shows that stepping back can be part of a journey, not always a failure. In Matthew 7:23, Jesus uses it for those who turn away from Him. This reminds us that our choices define who stays close.
For your faith, this word invites honesty about relationships. Sometimes we must leave situations to protect our peace or follow God’s call. Other times, we are called to stay and serve. Trust that God understands when you need space to breathe and pray.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it departs1×
- having departed1×
- do depart1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποχωρήσας1×
- ἀποχωρεῖτε1×
- ἀποχωρεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:23
Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
This verse uses the word to describe a final separation from Jesus, highlighting the seriousness of claiming faith without true relationship.
-
Luke 9:39
Behold, a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him so that he foams; and it hardly departs from him, bruising him severely.
Here the term describes a demonic spirit leaving a boy, showing its use for an entity withdrawing from a person's presence.
-
Acts 13:13
Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.
This occurrence records John Mark physically departing from Paul’s mission team, illustrating a change in companionship during travel.