The Greek word apelaúnō, represented by G556, means to dismiss or drive. It is formed from the words G575 apó and ἐλαύνω. This very specific term is quite rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the New Testament.
The sole appearance of G556 is in Acts 18:16. In this passage, the Roman deputy Gallio drave a group of people away from his place of authority. The verse states, "And he drave them from the judgment seat" Acts 18:16. This action signifies a forceful and conclusive dismissal, demonstrating the word's meaning of actively expelling or rejecting something.
The meaning of G556 is illuminated by its component parts and the words used in its immediate context:
- G575 apó ("off," i.e. away): This particle forms the prefix of G556, providing the sense of separation or departure. It is used throughout scripture to denote being away from something, such as being called to depart from iniquity 2 Timothy 2:19.
- G968 bēma (judgment-seat): This is the location from which the subjects were driven in the only use of G556. The term signifies an official tribunal or place of judgment, such as the judgment seat of Christ Romans 14:10.
- G846 autós (self, him, them): This pronoun identifies the object of the action in Acts 18:16, indicating those who were driven away. It is used broadly to refer to individuals, such as in God's promise, "I will be their God, and they shall be my people" 2 Corinthians 6:16.
- G2532 kaí (and, also): This common particle connects the action of driving away to the surrounding narrative. It serves to link actions and ideas, as seen in "seek, and ye shall find" Luke 11:9.
Though used only once, the context of G556 touches on significant theological ideas:
- Human vs. Divine Judgment: The act of driving away in Acts 18:16 occurs at a human judgment seat G968. This earthly dismissal from a human authority contrasts sharply with the scriptural teaching that all people will stand before the judgment seat of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:10.
- The Principle of Separation: The word's root, G575 apó, emphasizes a movement "away from." This concept is echoed in theological commands for believers to separate themselves, such as being cleansed from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9.
- Jurisdictional Authority: In its singular biblical use, G556 describes an exercise of secular authority. Gallio's dismissal of the case highlights the distinction between earthly governance and spiritual matters within the biblical narrative.
In summary, G556 apelaúnō is a rare but potent verb meaning to drive away. Its single use in Acts 18:16 provides a clear picture of a forceful dismissal from a place of judgment. While its direct scriptural footprint is small, its components and context connect to the larger biblical themes of authority, separation, and the profound difference between human and divine judgment.
TRV