strengthened from the base of τροπή; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively):--convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word στρέφω (stréphō, `{{G4762}}`) derives from the root τροπή (tropē, `{{G5157}}`), meaning "a turning." As a strengthened form, στρέφω conveys a more decisive and complete act of turning, twisting, or reversing. Its semantic range extends from a literal physical reorientation to a profound spiritual or moral transformation. It signifies a movement *away* from one state or direction and *towards* another, implying a complete change of course or disposition. This can be a simple physical act of turning one's body, or a radical reorientation of one's will, mind, and life. The core idea is a reversal or conversion, either literally or figuratively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term στρέφω appears in the New Testament in various contexts, illustrating its broad semantic range:
* **Literal Physical Turning:** In [[Revelation 1:12]], John states, "Then I *turned* to see the voice that was speaking to me." Here, στρέφω describes a simple physical movement of the body. Similarly, [[John 20:14]] recounts Mary Magdalene *turning* around to see Jesus.
* **Ethical Reorientation:** Jesus uses στρέφω in the Sermon on the Mount to describe a radical ethical response: "But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, *turn* to him the other also" ([[Matthew 5:39]]). This command signifies a complete reversal of the natural human inclination towards retaliation, advocating for a counter-cultural ethic of non-resistance and sacrificial love.
* **Spiritual Conversion and Humility:** Perhaps the most profound usage of στρέφω is in the context of spiritual transformation. In [[Matthew 18:3]], Jesus declares, "Truly, I say to you, unless you *turn* and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This verse is foundational for understanding Christian conversion. The "turning" here is not merely a change of mind but a fundamental reorientation of one's disposition from self-sufficiency and pride to humility, trust, and dependence, akin to a child. This turning is a prerequisite for entering God's kingdom.
* **Rejection of the Gospel:** In [[John 12:40]], quoting Isaiah, it is said of those who refuse to believe, "that they might not see with their eyes and understand with their heart and *turn*, and I would heal them." Here, στρέφω describes the human capacity to resist God's call to repentance and healing, highlighting the tragic consequence of an unwillingness to reorient one's life towards God.
* **Divine Action and Prophecy:** στρέφω can also describe God's action or prophetic fulfillment, as seen in [[Romans 11:26]] (quoting Isaiah 59:20 LXX): "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will *turn* away ungodliness from Jacob." Here, it signifies God's redemptive act of removing sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
στρέφω is closely related to several other Greek terms that illuminate its meaning:
* **ἐπιστρέφω (epistréphō, `{{G1994}}`):** This is perhaps the most significant cognate. While στρέφω means "to turn," ἐπιστρέφω explicitly means "to turn back," "to return," or "to convert." ἐπιστρέφω is more frequently used in the New Testament to denote spiritual conversion, often implying a return to God after a period of straying (e.g., [[Acts 3:19]], [[Acts 9:35]]). The base definition of στρέφω itself includes "turn (again, back again)," suggesting a strong semantic overlap where the simple στρέφω can carry the full weight of a spiritual return, as seen in [[Matthew 18:3]]. The distinction is often subtle, with ἐπιστρέφω emphasizing the *direction* of turning *back towards* a prior state or relationship, while στρέφω focuses on the *act* of reorientation itself.
* **μετανοέω (metanoéō, `{{G3340}}`):** This verb means "to repent," signifying a change of mind. While μετανοέω describes the internal shift in thought and will, στρέφω (especially in its spiritual sense) often describes the outward, decisive action or reorientation that results from such a change of mind. One repents (μετανοέω) and thereby turns (στρέφω) to God.
* **τροπή (tropē, `{{G5157}}`):** The noun from which στρέφω is derived, meaning "a turning" or "a change." This root reinforces the core idea of alteration or reorientation inherent in στρέφω.
Concepts related to στρέφω include repentance, conversion, reorientation of life, humility, and a decisive break from a former way of living.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of στρέφω is profound, particularly in its application to spiritual transformation:
* **Necessity of Conversion:** [[Matthew 18:3]] underscores that a radical "turning" is not merely an option but an absolute necessity for salvation and entrance into God's kingdom. This turning involves a fundamental reorientation of one's entire being from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, embracing a posture of childlike humility and dependence.
* **Active Human Response:** While God's grace initiates salvation, στρέφω emphasizes the human responsibility to respond decisively. It is an active verb, indicating a volitional act of turning away from sin and towards God. This turning is often presented as the fruit of repentance and faith.
* **Ethical Transformation:** The command to "turn the other cheek" ([[Matthew 5:39]]) reveals that true conversion extends beyond an internal spiritual shift to a radical reordering of ethical behavior. It calls believers to live a life that is counter-intuitive to worldly wisdom, embodying Christ-like love and non-retaliation even in the face of injustice. This "turning" is a demonstration of the new creation in Christ.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom:** The usage in [[John 12:40]] presents a tension between divine knowledge/hardening and human refusal to turn. It highlights that while God calls and desires all to turn, human beings retain the capacity to resist this turning, leading to spiritual blindness and a lack of healing.
### Summary
στρέφω (stréphō, `{{G4762}}`) signifies a complete and decisive turning, twisting, or reversal, encompassing both literal physical movement and profound spiritual reorientation. Its core meaning emphasizes a change of direction, a re-alignment, or a conversion. Theologically, it is crucial for understanding the nature of salvation, highlighting the indispensable act of turning from self-reliance and sin to a posture of childlike humility and dependence on God. This "turning" is not merely an internal change of mind but also manifests in radical ethical transformation, challenging believers to live a life fundamentally reoriented towards Christ's teachings. While closely related to "repentance" (μετανοέω, `{{G3340}}`) and "returning" (ἐπιστρέφω, `{{G1994}}`), στρέφω powerfully conveys the decisive, active, and comprehensive nature of this spiritual transformation.
TRV