στρέφω (strephō)
strephō
to turn
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb strephō means to turn, twist, or reverse direction, whether physically or mentally. In the New Testament it describes a sharp change of orientation, often involving a complete about-face. This physical sense appears frequently in narrative passages where characters shift their attention or position, such as when Peter remembers Jesus’ warning and turns back toward him (Luke 22:61), or when Mary Magdalene turns around at the tomb to see who is speaking (John 20:14).
Beyond simple movement, strephō carries a metaphorical weight of changing one’s course or mindset. It is used in Matthew 5:39 to describe turning the other cheek, implying a reversal of expected retaliation. In Acts 13:46 and Revelation 11:6, it describes turning toward or away from people or purposes, highlighting a decisive shift in allegiance or action. The word suggests not just a slight adjustment but a significant reorientation of life.
Its root conveys the idea of twisting or rotating, which gives it a sense of forceful change compared to gentler terms for turning. Translators often render it as "turn" or "convert," depending on context. The variety of compounds formed with strephō shows its flexibility in expressing different kinds of turning—back, away, or toward. This range allows it to capture both literal movements and profound spiritual shifts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word strephō describes a sharp, decisive change of direction. In the Gospels, we see Jesus using this physical turning to shift attention from social norms to personal grace. When He turns to the bleeding woman or looks at Peter after his denial, the movement is not just bodily; it is an invitation into a new reality. These moments show that God often meets us in the middle of our confusion with a clear, orienting presence.
For your daily life, this word offers hope when you feel stuck in old patterns. Strephō reminds us that reorientation is possible. Whether it means turning away from retaliation to offer peace, or turning back to Jesus in repentance, the power to change course remains. You are not defined by where you have been, but by the direction you choose now.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having turned9×
- Having turned3×
- you may turn1×
- we are turning1×
- to turn1×
- they turned back1×
- she turned1×
- may turn1×
- he turned1×
- do turn1×
- Turned away1×
- Having turned around1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- στραφεὶς9×
- ἔστρεψεν2×
- ἐστράφησαν1×
- ἐστράφη1×
- στρέψον1×
- στρέφειν1×
- στρεφόμεθα1×
- στραφῶσιν1×
- στραφῆτε1×
- στραφέντες1×
- στραφεῖσα1×
- στραφείς1×
Key Verses
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Luke 22:61
The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”
This verse captures the moment of immediate conviction, where Jesus’ glance triggers Peter’s memory and initiates his return to faith.
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Matthew 5:39
But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Here the physical act of turning cheek illustrates a radical ethical shift from retaliation to non-resistance.
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John 20:16
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!” which is to say, “Teacher!”
Mary’s turn marks the transition from grief to recognition, showing how personal encounter changes one's entire perspective.
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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.
Paul uses this term to declare a strategic pivot in ministry, turning away from rejection toward the Gentiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does strephō mean in the New Testament?
How is strephō different from other words for turning?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (22 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 6 verses
But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 7:6“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them…
Matthew 9:22But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was…
Matthew 16:23But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your…
Matthew 18:3and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the…
Matthew 27:3Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of…