The Greek word apoleípō, represented by G620, is defined as to leave behind or, in a passive sense, to remain. It is derived from ἀπό and λείπω and by implication can mean to forsake. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses, carrying a dual sense that ranges from the simple act of leaving an object to the theological concept of what remains as a consequence or promise.
In its biblical usage, G620 describes both physical and spiritual abandonment. The Apostle Paul uses it in a literal sense, stating he left his cloke at Troas and also left Trophimus at Miletum because he was sick (2 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:20). A more severe meaning is found in Jude, where angels who did not keep their first estate left their own habitation, leading to their judgment Jude 1:6. The word is also used to signify what is left over or still available, as in the book of Hebrews, which states that a promise of rest remaineth for the people of God Hebrews 4:9 but that for those who sin willfully, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins Hebrews 10:26.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G620 is used:
- G3306 ménō (to stay, abide, remain): This word acts as a synonym for the "remain" sense of G620. In 2 Timothy 4:20, Erastus abode G3306 at Corinth, while Paul left G620 Trophimus elsewhere.
- G5083 tēréō (to guard, keep, preserve): This word presents a direct contrast to forsaking. The angels in Jude 1:6 are judged because they did not keep G5083 their first estate, but left G620 it.
- G3613 oikētḗrion (a residence, habitation): This term specifies what the rebellious angels left G620, identifying their divinely appointed "habitation" Jude 1:6.
- G770 asthenéō (to be feeble, sick): This word provides the reason for an act of leaving behind, as Paul left G620 Trophimus at Miletum because he was sick G770.
The theological weight of G620 is significant, highlighting themes of consequence, promise, and finality.
- Consequences of Forsaking: The word is used to describe the angels' grave error of forsaking their proper domain, which resulted in judgment. This act of having left their habitation serves as a warning Jude 1:6.
- Promise of God: In Hebrews, the term affirms that God's promise of a sabbath rest still remaineth for His people, offering assurance and hope despite the unbelief of others (Hebrews 4:6, Hebrews 4:9).
- Finality of Willful Sin: The word underscores a point of no return. For those who willfully sin after knowing the truth, nothing remaineth but judgment, as no further sacrifice is available Hebrews 10:26.
In summary, G620 is a versatile word that conveys meanings from the mundane to the profoundly spiritual. It can refer to the simple act of leaving a personal item behind, or it can describe the weighty decision to forsake one's designated place. Theologically, it frames both the enduring promise of God's rest that remaineth for the faithful and the stark reality that for the willfully disobedient, no sacrifice remaineth.
TRV