ἄφιξις (aphixis)
aphixis
departure
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aphixis refers to a coming or going, functioning as a neutral term for either an arrival or a departure. In classical Greek, it most commonly denotes an arrival, but in the New Testament it carries the specific sense of leaving or departing. This shift in meaning is rare for the word, making its usage in Scripture distinctive.
The term appears only once in the New Testament, found in Acts 20:29. Here, Paul warns that after his departure, savage wolves will enter the flock. The context clearly points to a leaving rather than an arrival, marking the end of his physical presence with the Ephesian elders. This single instance highlights how the word can signify a definitive exit from a community or place.
Its etymology links it to the verb aphikneomai, which means to reach or arrive at a destination. While the root suggests reaching a goal, the abstract noun in this specific verse captures the moment of moving away. Translators typically render it as "departure," reflecting the context of Paul’s impending separation from the church he helped establish.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aphixis simply means departure. It marks a moment of leaving, whether it is Paul stepping away from the elders in Ephesus or any of us facing a season of change. In Acts 20:29, Paul uses this term to describe his own exit, knowing that difficult times would follow his absence.
When we face our own departures—moving homes, ending relationships, or leaving behind familiar routines—it can feel like a loss. Yet this word reminds us that transitions are part of our journey. Even when we leave, we carry the lessons and connections we have built with us.
May you find peace in these moments of change, trusting that God walks with you into every new chapter.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- departure1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄφιξίν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 20:29
For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
This verse captures the specific sense of leaving, as Paul warns the elders about the difficulties that will arise after his physical absence.