### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποστυγέω (apostygéō, `{{G655}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (apo), meaning "from" or "away from," and the root of στυγνητός (stygnetos), which conveys the idea of "hateful" or "detestable." The prefix ἀπό serves as an intensifier, indicating a complete or utter separation, a strong aversion, or a thorough detestation. Thus, ἀποστυγέω signifies "to detest utterly," "to abhor completely," "to shrink from with horror," or "to loathe thoroughly." It denotes an intense emotional and volitional rejection, going beyond mere dislike to a profound and absolute revulsion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀποστυγέω (apostygéō, `{{G655}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the apostle Paul's letter to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 12:9]]**: "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." (ESV)
* In this pivotal verse, Paul issues a direct imperative to believers: ἀποστυγοῦντες τὸ πονηρόν (abhorring what is evil). This command is immediately followed by its positive counterpart, κολλώμενοι τῷ ἀγαθῷ (cleaving to what is good). The juxtaposition of these two participles, both functioning as imperatives, underscores a fundamental aspect of genuine Christian love (ἀγάπη, `{{G26}}`).
* The context is a series of practical exhortations for Christian living, flowing from the theological truths presented in the preceding chapters. Paul is describing the characteristics of a life transformed by the renewal of the mind ([[Romans 12:2]]).
* The use of ἀποστυγέω here is not merely a suggestion to avoid evil, but a strong command to actively, utterly, and intensely detest it. It implies an inner disposition that recoils from evil with profound moral revulsion, rather than a passive indifference or reluctant avoidance. This active abhorrence is presented as an essential component of authentic love, demonstrating that true love is discerning and morally robust, not sentimental or compromising with sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The intensity of ἀποστυγέω (apostygéō, `{{G655}}`) can be understood in relation to other Greek terms:
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* κολλάω (kolláō, `{{G2853}}`): "to cleave to," "to cling to," "to hold fast." This word is used in direct opposition to ἀποστυγέω in [[Romans 12:9]], emphasizing the twofold command to reject evil and embrace good.
* ἀγαπάω (agapaō, `{{G25}}`): "to love." The command to abhor evil is presented as an outflow and characteristic of genuine ἀγάπη, indicating that true love is not permissive but morally discerning.
* **Related terms for "evil":**
* πονηρός (ponēros, `{{G4190}}`): "evil," "wicked," "malicious." This is the specific object of abhorrence in [[Romans 12:9]]. It refers to that which is morally corrupt, harmful, and contrary to God's nature.
* κακός (kakos, `{{G2556}}`): A more general term for "bad" or "evil."
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of abhorring evil resonates deeply with Old Testament themes, particularly the idea of תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah, `{{H8441}}`), "abomination" or "detestable thing," which often describes practices or attitudes that are utterly repugnant to God's holy character (e.g., idolatry, certain sexual sins, unjust weights). The command to abhor evil in the New Testament reflects the continuation of God's demand for holiness and moral purity from His people.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of ἀποστυγέω (apostygéō, `{{G655}}`) in [[Romans 12:9]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Reflection of God's Character:** The command for believers to abhor evil mirrors the very nature of God. God Himself is utterly holy and fundamentally opposed to all forms of evil and sin. His righteousness necessitates an absolute detestation of that which is contrary to His perfect will and character. When believers are commanded to abhor evil, they are called to reflect the divine disposition.
* **Foundation of Christian Ethics:** Abhorring evil is not merely a suggestion but a foundational imperative for Christian living. It underscores that genuine love (ἀγάπη) is not passive or naive; it is an active, discerning force that recognizes and rejects what is morally corrupt. This ethical stance is crucial for maintaining purity and integrity in the Christian community and individual life.
* **Aspect of Sanctification:** The command to abhor evil is an ongoing aspect of the believer's sanctification. It requires a transformed heart and mind that increasingly aligns with God's values. It implies a continuous process of discerning, rejecting, and recoiling from sin and unrighteousness, fostering a deep antipathy towards anything that dishonors God or harms others.
* **Distinction of the Believer:** This intense aversion to evil marks a clear distinction between the believer and the fallen world. While the world may tolerate, embrace, or even celebrate evil, the Christian is called to a radical counter-cultural stance, passionately rejecting what God rejects and passionately embracing what God values.
* **Love and Truth Intertwined:** The juxtaposition in [[Romans 12:9]] demonstrates that true love cannot exist apart from a commitment to truth and righteousness. Genuine love does not excuse or rationalize evil but actively opposes it, seeking the good for all involved.
### Summary
ἀποστυγέω (apostygéō, `{{G655}}`) signifies an "utter detestation" or "complete abhorrence." Its singular appearance in the New Testament, in [[Romans 12:9]], serves as a potent command to believers: "Abhor what is evil." This imperative is presented as an essential characteristic of genuine Christian love, juxtaposed with the command to "hold fast to what is good." Theologically, ἀποστυγέω reflects God's own holy character, calls believers to a deep, active, and discerning ethical stance against all forms of evil, and is a vital component of the ongoing process of sanctification, marking the distinct moral identity of those who follow Christ. It underscores that true love is not sentimental but robustly righteous, actively rejecting all that is contrary to God's will.
TRV