ἀπέχω

apéchō /ap-ekh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἀπό and ἔχω
Meaning(actively) to have out, i.e. receive in full; (intransitively) to keep (oneself) away, i.e. be distant (literally or figuratively)
KJV usagebe, have, receive.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word apéchō, represented by G568, is a term with a distinct dual meaning. Derived from ἀπό and ἔχω, its definition includes both actively to receive in full and intransitively to be distant or keep away. It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses, where it is used to convey concepts of final payment, physical separation, and spiritual alienation.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G568 is used to describe two primary ideas: receipt and distance. It is frequently used to indicate receiving a reward in its entirety. In Matthew, hypocrites who perform acts of charity, prayer, or fasting for public recognition have G568 their reward G3408 in full, implying no further reward from God is due (Matthew 6:2, Matthew 6:5, Matthew 6:16). Similarly, the rich are warned that they have received G568 their consolation G3874 Luke 6:24. The word also denotes distance, both spiritual and literal. Jesus quotes Isaiah to describe those whose lips honor God but whose hearts are far G568 from Him (Matthew 15:8, Mark 7:6). In a literal sense, it describes the prodigal son who was still "a great way off" G568 when his father saw him Luke 15:20 and the village of Emmaus being a certain distance from Jerusalem Luke 24:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the meanings of G568:

  • G3408 misthós (reward): This word for "pay for service" or reward is directly linked to G568 in passages about hypocrites, who are said to have their reward in full on earth Matthew 6:5.
  • G1209 déchomai (receive): This is a general term for receiving. Its use in Philippians 4:18 alongside G568 creates a contrast. Paul first states "I have G568 all," indicating completeness, after mentioning he had received G1209 the gifts from Epaphroditus.
  • G4206 pórrhō (far): This adverb is used with G568 to emphasize the distance of the heart from God in those who perform empty rituals Matthew 15:8.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G568 is significant, highlighting key principles of faith and worship.

  • The Finality of Earthly Reward: The use of G568 in Matthew's Gospel serves as a sober warning. Those who seek praise from men for their religious acts receive their payment in full from their human audience, effectively closing their account with God for that deed Matthew 6:2.
  • Spiritual Distance vs. Outward Piety: The term is used to diagnose the core problem of hypocrisy. A person can draw nigh to God with their mouth, but their heart can be far G568 from Him, rendering their worship void Mark 7:6.
  • Fullness in Receipt and Relationship: In a positive sense, G568 communicates completeness. Paul uses it to express his total contentment with the gift from the Philippians, stating "I have all" Philippians 4:18. In the letter to Philemon, it is used to encourage him to receive Onesimus back forever, signifying a complete and permanent restoration of their relationship Philemon 1:15.

Summary

In summary, G568 apéchō is a precise term that communicates more than simple possession or distance. It carries a strong sense of finality and completeness. Whether describing the full and final reward of a hypocrite, the vast distance of a heart from God, or the complete satisfaction found in fellowship, the word adds a crucial layer of meaning. It underscores the biblical contrast between temporary, earthly validation and eternal, divine reward, and between outward religious acts and the true posture of the heart.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 19 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • Present Middle Infinitive 5×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 3×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Present Active Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 2×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Singular Feminine 1×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 2nd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative
The direct object 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.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
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

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 11 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Matthew (4 verses).

4
Matthew
1
Mark
4
Luke
1
Philippians
1
Philemon

Verse Explorer

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