### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apóblētos**, represented by `{{G579}}`, is defined as something cast off or to be rejected. Derived from ἀποβάλλω, it is used figuratively to mean that which should **be refused**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G579}}` is found in [[1 Timothy 4:4]], which states, "For every creature of God is good, and nothing **to be refused**, if it be received with thanksgiving." This declaration directly addresses a teaching mentioned in the preceding verse, which commands believers "to abstain from meats" [[1 Timothy 4:3]]. The word `{{G579}}` is therefore used to counter the idea that certain foods or created things should be rejected as a rule, establishing a principle of acceptance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[1 Timothy 4:4]] illuminate its meaning:
* `{{G2938}}` **ktísma**: This word means **creature** or "an original formation." The verse affirms that every `{{G2938}}` from God is good, setting the stage for why nothing He made is `{{G579}}`. In [[Revelation 5:13]], it is used to describe every created thing in heaven and on earth giving praise to God.
* `{{G2570}}` **kalós**: Defined as **good**, valuable, or virtuous, this term describes the inherent quality of God's creation. This quality is the reason nothing is to be refused. The word is also used to describe the "good fight of faith" [[1 Timothy 6:12]].
* `{{G2983}}` **lambánō**: Meaning **to take** or **receive**, this word provides the condition for not refusing something. Things are not `{{G579}}` when they are "received with thanksgiving." This same word is used for receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost [[Acts 2:38]].
* `{{G2169}}` **eucharistía**: This word for **thanksgiving** or "grateful language (to God, as an act of worship)" is the proper response when receiving God's creation. It is presented as the antidote to wrongly refusing what God has provided. This attitude of thanksgiving is also encouraged in prayer [[Philippians 4:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G579}}` is concentrated in its single appearance.
* **Goodness of Creation:** The use of `{{G579}}` is in the negative ("nothing to be refused") to affirm a positive truth: everything God created is good. It refutes any doctrine that would label parts of the physical world as inherently evil or unfit for use by believers.
* **The Power of Thanksgiving:** The conditional nature of the statement in [[1 Timothy 4:4]] elevates thanksgiving from a simple expression of gratitude to a key spiritual act. Receiving things with `{{G2169}}` thanksgiving is what sanctifies them for use, distinguishing them from things that are `{{G579}}` or refused.
* **Rejection of False Asceticism:** The context concerns those "commanding to abstain from meats" [[1 Timothy 4:3]]. The statement that nothing is `{{G579}}` serves as a direct rebuttal to man-made religious rules that restrict believers from partaking in what God has declared good.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G579}}` is used only once, its meaning as "to be refused" plays a crucial role in a key biblical passage. It functions to uphold the goodness of God’s creation against teachings that would arbitrarily reject it. The term underscores that the proper Christian response to God’s provisions is not refusal, but rather grateful reception marked by thanksgiving.
TRV