The Greek word apostygéō, represented by G655, means to detest utterly or abhor. It is formed from ἀπό and the base of στυγνητός. This powerful term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
In its sole biblical context, G655 provides a stark command regarding Christian conduct. The instruction is found in Romans 12:9, which states, "Let love G26 be without dissimulation G505. Abhor G655 that which is evil G4190; cleave G2853 to that which is good G18." The act of utterly detesting evil is presented as a direct and necessary expression of a sincere and undisguised love.
Several related words from its context help illuminate the meaning of G655:
- G4190 ponērós (hurtful, i.e. evil): This is the object of the command to abhor. It is presented as the direct opposite of good Luke 6:45 and is something from which believers ask to be delivered Matthew 6:13.
- G2853 kolláō (to glue, i.e. to stick): This is the active, positive counterpart to abhorring evil. Believers are commanded to cleave, or be "glued," to what is good. The term is also used to describe being joined to the Lord 1 Corinthians 6:17.
- G18 agathós (good): This is what a believer must cleave to. It is used to describe the works God has prepared for believers to walk in Ephesians 2:10 and the gifts that come from God the Father James 1:17.
- G26 agápē (love, i.e. affection or benevolence): This is the foundational virtue from which the command to abhor evil stems. It is described as a fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22 and the motivation for God's actions toward humanity Romans 5:8.
- G505 anypókritos (undissembled, i.e. sincere): This describes the type of love that fuels the abhorrence of evil. The same word is used to describe an unfeigned faith 1 Timothy 1:5 and is a mark of divine wisdom James 3:17.
The theological weight of G655 is demonstrated in its immediate context.
- An Active Moral Stance: The use of G655 is part of a dual command. It is not enough to passively avoid evil; one must actively and utterly detest it while simultaneously clinging firmly to what is good Romans 12:9.
- The Fruit of Sincere Love: The command to abhor evil directly follows the exhortation for love G26 to be without dissimulation G505. This connection establishes that genuine love cannot be neutral or tolerant toward that which is evil G4190; it must reject it.
- Evidence of a Renewed Mind: Situated in Romans 12, this command is an outworking of a mind being transformed to understand and align with the will of God, which is described as good G18 and acceptable and perfect Romans 12:2.
In summary, G655 apostygéō is far more than a simple dislike; it is a profound command to detest utterly. Though appearing only once, its placement in scripture is pivotal. It defines the believer's relationship with evil as one of active abhorrence, a stance that is born not of negativity, but of a sincere and unfeigned love G505 that must cleave G2853 to what is good G18. This single word captures a decisive moral and spiritual posture essential to the Christian walk.
TRV