### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀπαλλάσσω (apallássō, `{{G525}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (apo), meaning "from" or "away from," and the verb ἀλλάσσω (allássō), meaning "to change" or "to alter." Therefore, its fundamental meaning is "to change away from" or "to remove from." This core sense expands to encompass concepts of release, deliverance, and departure, often implying a separation from a previous state, condition, or entity. It can also be used reflexively, meaning "to remove oneself" or "to be rid of" something or someone. The semantic range thus includes physical removal, legal release, and spiritual liberation, always carrying the nuance of a definitive separation or cessation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἀπαλλάσσω (apallássō) appears three times in the New Testament, each instance shedding light on its versatile meaning:
1. **[[Luke 12:58]]**: "For as you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison." Here, the phrase "make an effort to settle with him" (δὸς ἐργασίαν ἀπηλλάχθαι αὐτῷ) uses the perfect infinitive of ἀπαλλάσσω in a reflexive sense, meaning "to be rid of" or "to be released from" the accuser. The context is legal and practical, urging prompt reconciliation to avoid a harsher judgment, highlighting the desire to be free from an impending legal entanglement.
2. **[[Acts 19:12]]**: "so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried to the sick, and their diseases departed from them and the evil spirits came out of them." In this account of Paul's ministry in Ephesus, ἀπαλλάσσω describes miraculous physical healing. Diseases literally "departed" or "were removed" from the afflicted, demonstrating a powerful and immediate cessation of illness. This usage emphasizes a complete and external removal of an unwanted condition.
3. **[[Hebrews 2:15]]**: "and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery." This is arguably the most profound theological application of ἀπαλλάσσω. Here, Christ's sacrificial work is described as delivering (ἀπαλλάξῃ) humanity from the bondage of the fear of death. The word signifies a radical and complete liberation from an oppressive, existential state of "lifelong slavery" (δουλείας). It is not merely a temporary reprieve but a fundamental release from a deeply ingrained human condition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "release" or "deliverance" is central to the biblical narrative, and ἀπαλλάσσω (apallássō) shares semantic territory with several other Greek terms, though each carries its own specific nuance:
* **ἐλευθερόω (eleutheroō, `{{G1659}}`)**: To make free, to set at liberty. While both ἀπαλλάσσω and ἐλευθερόω denote freedom, ἐλευθερόω often emphasizes the *state* of being free, whereas ἀπαλλάσσω highlights the *process* or *act* of being separated or removed from something.
* **ἀπολύω (apolyo, `{{G630}}`)**: To release, dismiss, send away. This term can refer to releasing prisoners, dismissing a crowd, or sending away a spouse. It shares the idea of release but often lacks the intense implication of being rid of a burden or oppressive force that ἀπαλλάσσω conveys, particularly in the context of Hebrews 2:15.
* **ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, `{{G863}}`)**: To send away, let go, forgive, permit to depart. This is a very broad term, encompassing forgiveness of sins, leaving things behind, or allowing someone to go. While it can imply removal, it lacks the specific "change away from" aspect inherent in ἀπαλλάσσω.
* The root **ἀλλάσσω (allássō, `{{G236}}`)** itself signifies a general change or alteration, but the prefix ἀπό (apo) in ἀπαλλάσσω specifies a change *away from* a particular state or entity, underscoring the aspect of separation or removal.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀπαλλάσσω (apallássō) culminates in its usage in [[Hebrews 2:15]]. Here, the word describes the profound liberation accomplished by Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, is depicted as being in "lifelong slavery" due to the "fear of death." This fear is not merely an emotion but an oppressive spiritual and existential condition that binds individuals. It encompasses the dread of judgment, the consequence of sin, and the ultimate separation from God.
Christ's incarnation and sacrificial death are presented as the means by which this radical deliverance is achieved. He became human to experience death, thereby disarming the power of death and the devil who held sway over it ([[Hebrews 2:14]]). The act of "delivering" (ἀπαλλάξῃ) is a decisive, complete removal of this bondage. It signifies a definitive break from the dominion of fear and death, offering a new reality of freedom and life in Christ. This usage elevates ἀπαλλάσσω beyond a simple physical or legal release to describe a foundational act of salvation, demonstrating God's sovereign power to free humanity from its deepest spiritual enslavement.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀπαλλάσσω (apallássō, `{{G525}}`) fundamentally means "to change away from," leading to concepts of release, removal, and deliverance. While seen in practical legal contexts (to be rid of an accuser in [[Luke 12:58]]) and miraculous physical healing (diseases departing in [[Acts 19:12]]), its most profound theological application is found in [[Hebrews 2:15]]. There, it powerfully describes Christ's work in delivering humanity from the lifelong slavery imposed by the fear of death. This word underscores a decisive, complete separation from an oppressive state, highlighting the liberating power of God's intervention through Christ to bring about ultimate freedom.