ἀστοχέω (astocheō)
astocheō
to deviate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb astocheō literally means to miss the mark or deviate from an intended target. Its etymology combines a negative prefix with stoichos, referring to a row or line of targets in archery. This imagery suggests that error is not merely a mistake, but a failure to hit the specific goal set for one’s life or faith.
In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within the pastoral letters to Timothy. Paul uses it to describe spiritual drift rather than sudden sin. In 1 Timothy 6:21 and 2 Timothy 2:18, he warns against those who have "missed the mark" concerning the truth, specifically regarding the resurrection. The usage implies a gradual wandering away from correct doctrine.
Translators typically render astocheō as "deviate" or "erring." This captures the sense of losing one’s way rather than breaking a rule intentionally. The word highlights the importance of staying focused on the original apostolic teaching, serving as a warning that theological accuracy requires constant vigilance against drifting off course.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word astocheō paints a vivid picture of missing a target. It suggests that spiritual error often begins not with a dramatic rebellion, but with a gradual drift away from what is true and good. When we lose sight of our central focus, small deviations can accumulate until they pull us far from the path intended for us.
In the letters to Timothy, Paul uses this term to warn against drifting from the core truths of the faith. This reminds us that staying close to God requires intentional attention. It is easy to wander when we are not anchored in what matters most. By keeping our eyes fixed on Christ and His teachings, we can avoid the slow slide into confusion or error.
Grace helps us stay on course. Even when we feel ourselves slipping, we can return to the foundation of truth. This word encourages vigilance, not fear. It invites us to check our direction regularly and realign with the love and truth that define our walk with God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- went astray.1×
- went astray1×
- having missed the mark1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠστόχησαν.¶1×
- ἠστόχησαν1×
- ἀστοχήσαντες1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 1:6
from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned away to vain talking,
This verse shows how missing the mark leads to empty arguments, illustrating the practical consequence of drifting from truth.
-
I Timothy 6:21
which some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
Here Paul links this deviation directly to wandering from the faith itself, highlighting its serious spiritual impact.
-
II Timothy 2:18
men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.
This occurrence specifies that the error concerns the resurrection, showing how doctrinal drift can undermine core Christian hope.