ἀπωθέω (apōtheō)
apōtheō
to reject
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apōtheō carries the vivid physical sense of thrusting or pushing something away. In the New Testament, it appears in its middle voice form, meaning to thrust away from oneself, which translates practically to rejecting, refusing, or repudiating a person or truth. This is not a passive dismissal but an active rejection.
Its usage highlights decisive breaks. In Acts 7:27 and 39, Stephen recounts how Moses tried to mediate peace between two Israelites, only for one to ask, "Who made you a ruler and judge over us?" The text notes they rejected him (apōtheto), mirroring their earlier refusal of his leadership. Similarly, in Acts 13:46, Paul and Barnabas shake the dust from their feet and declare that since the Jews reject the word of God, they will turn to the Gentiles.
The word also appears in Romans 11:1-2, where Paul asks if God has rejected his own people, answering with a resounding no. In 1 Timothy 1:19, believers are warned to hold faith and a good conscience, for some have rejected theirs and suffered shipwreck in their faith. The term underscores the serious consequences of actively turning away from divine truth or community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apōtheō describes an active pushing away, not a passive indifference. It captures the moment we decide to turn our back on truth or community. In Acts 13:46, Paul and Barnabas faced this rejection when their message was thrust aside. This vivid image reminds us that faith requires engagement; it is not enough to simply hear, we must choose to receive.
Yet, even when people reject the messenger, God remains faithful. Romans 11:1-2 assures us that He has never rejected His own people. This offers deep comfort when we feel dismissed by others or struggle with doubt. Our standing before God does not depend on human acceptance but on His steadfast love.
Hold fast to your conscience and faith, as urged in 1 Timothy 1:19. When you encounter rejection, remember that God’s commitment to you is unshakable. You are known by Him, and that knowledge anchors your soul through every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- did reject2×
- you thrust away1×
- they thrust away1×
- pushed away1×
- having cast away1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπώσατο3×
- ἀπώσαντο1×
- ἀπωσάμενοι1×
- ἀπωθεῖσθε1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 13:46
Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it from yourselves, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
This verse shows the word used to describe actively thrusting away God's message, leading to a decisive shift in ministry focus.
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Romans 11:1
I ask then, did God reject his people? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Paul uses this term rhetorically to deny that God has ever rejected Israel, grounding his argument in his own identity as an Israelite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does apōtheō mean in the New Testament?
How is this word different from other words for rejecting?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
Acts 3 verses
But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
Acts 7:39to whom our fathers wouldn’t be obedient, but rejected him and turned back in their hearts to Egypt,
Acts 13:46Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since…