Word Study for G593 (ἀποδοκιμάζω)

apodokimázō /ap-od-ok-ee-mad'-zo/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ἀπό and δοκιμάζω

Meaningto disapprove, i.e. (by implication) to repudiate

KJV usagedisallow, reject.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of apodokimázō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word apodokimázō, represented by G593, means to disapprove or repudiate. It is translated as "reject," "disallow," or "disallowed." Derived from ἀπό and δοκιμάζω, it implies a considered decision to cast something or someone aside as not approved. This term appears 9 times in 9 unique verses, highlighting its specific and significant use in scripture, particularly concerning rejection.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G593 is used in two primary contexts. Firstly, it describes the prophesied rejection of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself teaches that the Son of Man must "suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain" (Luke 9:22; Mark 8:31). This rejection is also framed more broadly as being rejected by "this generation" Luke 17:25. Secondly, the word is used in the cornerstone allegory, where Jesus and Peter refer to the scripture about "The stone which the builders rejected" becoming the head of the corner (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17). Peter applies this directly to Christ, a living stone "disallowed indeed of men" 1 Peter 2:4. The term also appears in Hebrews to describe Esau, who "was rejected" when he sought to inherit the blessing Hebrews 12:17.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and consequences of the rejection described by G593:

G3958 páschō: This word means to suffer or experience something, usually painful. It is directly linked to G593, as Jesus foretells that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected Luke 9:22.
G4245 presbýteros: Meaning elder or senior, this term identifies one of the specific groups responsible for the rejection. Jesus states he will be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes Mark 8:31.
G1588 eklektós: Meaning chosen or select, this word provides a stark contrast to rejection. The stone that is disallowed by men is described as "chosen of God, and precious" 1 Peter 2:4, highlighting the difference between human and divine judgment.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G593 is significant, particularly in Christology. It establishes a clear pattern of divine purpose working through human opposition.

Prophetic Fulfillment: The use of G593 confirms that Christ's rejection was not an accident but a necessary and foretold part of his redemptive work. He must first suffer and be rejected before his death and resurrection (Luke 9:22, Luke 17:25).
The Cornerstone Doctrine: The concept of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone illustrates a core theological truth: what humanity devalues and casts aside, God elevates to the most important position. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over human plans (Matthew 21:42, 1 Peter 2:7).
Divine Vindication: The contrast between being disallowed by men and "chosen of God, and precious" 1 Peter 2:4 reveals that God's valuation is ultimate. Christ's rejection by human authorities is met with His exaltation by God the Father.

Summary

In summary, G593 is a powerful word signifying a definitive and consequential act of repudiation. It is used specifically to articulate the rejection of Christ by the religious leaders of his day and to illustrate the foundational Christian doctrine of the cornerstone. The use of apodokimázō underscores a profound biblical theme: God's ultimate purpose is accomplished not in spite of, but through, human rejection, turning what is disallowed by the world into the very foundation of salvation.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 9 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 4×
Aorist Passive Infinitive 3×
Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×

Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect: A completed act whose results continue.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 9 verses across 5 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke (3 verses); never once in the other 22.

Matthew

Mark

Luke

Hebrews

1 Peter

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.