ἀποχωρίζω (apochōrizō)
apochōrizō
to separate from
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apochōrizō means to separate or part asunder, carrying a forceful sense of breaking a connection. In the New Testament, it appears only twice. In Acts 15:39, Paul and Barnabas experience such a sharp disagreement over John Mark that they "separated from" each other, going their separate ways entirely. This usage highlights a decisive break in relationship rather than a simple physical departure.
The second occurrence is in Revelation 6:14, where the sky vanishes like a scroll being rolled up. Here, the passive form describes heaven and earth being "separated" or swept aside, emphasizing a cosmic dissolution rather than human action. The word combines apo ("from") and chōrizō ("to separate"), reinforcing the idea of moving away from a previous state or union.
While rare in Scripture, apochōrizō captures moments of significant division—whether between people or across creation. Translators often render it as "depart" or "separate," depending on context. Its brevity in the biblical text underscores the weight of the actions it describes, marking clear endings to relationships or realities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apochōrizō describes a decisive separation, marking a clear end to a previous connection. In Acts 15:39, Paul and Barnabas separated from each other after a sharp disagreement over John Mark. This moment shows that even close partners in ministry can face deep divisions that require them to part ways entirely.
While such breaks can feel painful or final, this word also appears in Revelation 6:14 to describe the sky vanishing like a rolled-up scroll. Here, it points to a cosmic dissolution where heaven and earth are swept aside. These rare occurrences remind us that separation carries weight, whether in human relationships or in the unfolding of history.
For your faith, this word invites honesty about broken connections. It acknowledges that some parts of life must end so that new beginnings can emerge. Rather than forcing unity where none exists, it allows space for healing and redirection. Trust that God remains present even when paths diverge, guiding you toward what lies ahead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- separating1×
- departed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποχωρισθῆναι1×
- ἀπεχωρίσθη1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 15:39
Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
This verse uses apochōrizō to describe a sharp personal division between Paul and Barnabas, highlighting how ministry partnerships can fracture irreparably.
-
Revelation of John 6:14
The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up. Every mountain and island was moved out of its place.
Here the passive form depicts the sky being removed like a scroll, emphasizing a cosmic separation that signals judgment and transformation.