Word Study for G4762 (στρέφω)

stréphō /stref'-o/ Ask about this word

Meaningstrengthened from the base of τροπή; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

KJV usageconvert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of stréphō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word stréphō, represented by G4762, means to twist, turn quite around, or reverse. It appears 18 times in 18 unique verses, illustrating actions that range from a literal physical turn to the profound figurative act of spiritual conversion.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G4762 is used to show a decisive change in direction or focus. Theologically, it is central to the concept of conversion, where Jesus states, "Except ye be converted G4762, and become G1096 as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 18:3. It can also signify a missional shift, as when Paul and Barnabas declare to the resistant Jews, "lo, we turn G4762 to the Gentiles" Acts 13:46. The word is also used for a literal action, often to draw attention to a significant statement, as when "the Lord turned G4762, and looked upon G1689 Peter," prompting his remembrance of Jesus's words Luke 22:61.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the action of turning:

G1096 gínomai (to become): This word is often paired with G4762 to describe the result of a turn, signifying a change in state or nature. It is used in the command to be converted and "become G1096 as little children" Matthew 18:3.
G683 apōthéomai (to push off, figuratively, to reject): This action of rejecting something often precedes the act of turning away. When the Israelites "thrust him from them G683," they "in their hearts turned back again G4762 into Egypt" Acts 7:39.
G1689 emblépō (to look on, i.e. to observe fixedly): A turn is often followed by a focused gaze. After the Lord "turned G4762," he "looked upon G1689 Peter" at a pivotal moment Luke 22:61.
G2008 epitimáō (to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish): A physical turn can precede a verbal correction. In a key instance, Jesus "turned G4762, and rebuked G2008 them" for not knowing what spirit they were of Luke 9:55.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4762 is significant, touching on core principles of the Christian faith.

The Nature of Conversion: The word defines conversion not just as a change of mind, but as a complete reversal of one's life and orientation, typified by the call to become like a child to enter God's kingdom Matthew 18:3.
Consequence of Rejection: The act of turning can be a divine response to human sin. When Israel embraced idolatry, God "turned G4762, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven" Acts 7:42, showing that turning from God results in God turning away.
The Ethic of Non-Retaliation: Jesus uses G4762 to teach a radical new response to personal offense: when smitten on one cheek, one is to "turn G4762 to him the other also" Matthew 5:39. This represents a reversal of worldly values.
A Shift in Redemptive History: The declaration "we turn G4762 to the Gentiles" marks a crucial moment in the early church, signifying the expansion of the gospel mission beyond its Jewish origins in response to rejection Acts 13:46.

Summary

In summary, G4762 is a dynamic term that captures the essence of reversal. Whether it is a simple physical movement to address a crowd, a divine response to disobedience, or the life-altering act of conversion, stréphō signifies a decisive turn. It illustrates that spiritual realities often begin with a conscious, deliberate change in direction, turning from one path to another, from worldly reaction to divine principle, and from self-will to God.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 22 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

2nd Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 11×
2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
2nd Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
2nd Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
2nd Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
2nd Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 1×
2nd Aorist Passive Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×
2nd Aorist Passive Subjunctive 3rd Plural 1×
Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
Present Active Infinitive 1×
Present Passive Indicative 1st Plural 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine: Feminine grammatical gender.
1st: First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 18 verses across 5 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke (7 verses); never once in the other 22.

Matthew

Luke

John

Acts

Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.