ἀφορίζω (aphorizō)
aphorizō
to separate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aphorizō means to mark off or separate something by establishing clear boundaries. It carries the sense of drawing a line that distinguishes one group from another, whether for the purpose of exclusion or for dedication. In the New Testament, this word appears in contexts where distinct categories are being defined, such as separating the righteous from the wicked at the final judgment (Matthew 13:49; 25:32).
Its usage varies significantly depending on context. It can describe a negative separation, such as when Jesus speaks of being excluded by others for his name’s sake (Luke 6:22), or when certain individuals withdrew from table fellowship due to fear (Galatians 2:12). Conversely, it also denotes a positive setting apart, as when God set Paul apart before his birth to serve a specific divine purpose (Galatians 1:15) or when the early church designated Barnabas and Saul for special missionary work (Acts 13:2).
The word’s root suggests marking out limits, much like surveying land. This imagery helps explain its theological weight: it is not merely about distance but about identity and function. Whether used to describe excommunication or divine calling, aphorizō emphasizes that the separation serves a defined purpose within God’s plan.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word aphorizō paints a picture of clear boundaries. It is not about vague distance but distinct identity. When God sets someone apart, He defines their purpose with precision. This clarity brings comfort because it means our lives are not accidents or random wanderings. Instead, they are marked out for specific roles within His plan.
Whether this separation feels like a call to service, as with Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:2, or a painful exclusion from society, the underlying truth remains the same. God establishes these lines to distinguish His people. Even when we face rejection, as Jesus described in Luke 6:22, that boundary confirms our belonging to Him rather than the world.
Understanding this word helps us see that separation is often a form of dedication. It marks us off for holy use. We do not need to fear these boundaries; they are the very means by which God protects and directs His children toward their intended destiny.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will separate1×
- they may exclude1×
- set apart1×
- separates1×
- he was separating1×
- he took separately1×
- having selected1×
- do set apart1×
- do be separate,1×
- He will separate1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀφώρισεν1×
- ἀφώριζεν1×
- ἀφωρισμένος1×
- ἀφορίσωσιν1×
- ἀφορίσθητε,1×
- ἀφορίσει1×
- ἀφορίσατε1×
- ἀφορίσας1×
- ἀφορίζει1×
- ἀφοριοῦσιν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 13:2
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.”
This verse shows the positive use of the word, where the Holy Spirit actively designates Barnabas and Saul for a specific missionary task.
-
Galatians 1:15
But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through his grace,
Paul uses this term to describe his divine calling from birth, highlighting that his apostolic authority comes from God's prior setting apart.
-
Matthew 25:32
Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Here the word describes the final judgment, where Christ distinctly separates people into two groups, much like a shepherd divides sheep and goats.
-
Luke 6:22
Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.
This occurrence illustrates the social cost of discipleship, where believers are excluded or cast out by the world for their faith.