### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποτινάσσω (G660), transliterated as *apotinássō*, is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (*apo*), meaning "from" or "away from," and the verb τινάσσω (*tinássō*), which means "to shake," "to jostle," or "to brandish." The core meaning of ἀποτινάσσω is therefore "to shake off" or "to brush off" something that adheres or clings. It implies a decisive, vigorous action to remove something undesirable, unwanted, or potentially harmful from oneself. The semantic range extends beyond a mere physical action to encompass a symbolic act of disassociation, rejection, or a declaration of freedom from responsibility concerning a particular situation, place, or person. It conveys a complete and forceful severance of connection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀποτινάσσω (G660) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance providing a rich context for understanding its precise meaning and implications.
1. **[[Luke 9:5]]**: "And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them."
* **Context:** This verse is part of Jesus' instructions to his twelve disciples as he sends them out on their mission. He outlines their conduct, their message, and the appropriate response to rejection.
* **Analysis:** The command to "shake off the very dust from your feet" is a highly symbolic action. In Jewish custom, shaking off dust from one's feet when leaving a Gentile area was a way to avoid ritual defilement. Here, however, it is directed towards Jewish towns or homes that reject the message of the Kingdom of God. It signifies a complete and solemn disassociation from those who refuse to receive the Gospel. The dust, which might cling to sandals from the soil of the city, represents any connection or responsibility. By shaking it off, the disciples declare themselves free from any complicity or responsibility for the fate of those who reject God's message. It serves as a "testimony against them," a prophetic act witnessing to their refusal and the severe consequences that will follow. It underlines the gravity of rejecting Christ's messengers and the divine word they carry.
2. **[[Acts 28:5]]**: "But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm."
* **Context:** This passage describes the aftermath of Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta. While gathering wood for a fire, a viper, roused by the heat, fastens itself onto his hand.
* **Analysis:** Here, ἀποτινάσσω is used in a literal sense. Paul "shook off" the venomous snake from his hand into the fire. This is a decisive, immediate, and forceful action to remove a dangerous and potentially lethal threat. The subsequent miracle, where Paul suffers no ill effects despite the viper's bite, underscores divine protection and validates his apostolic authority, particularly in the eyes of the native islanders who initially interpreted the bite as divine retribution. The act of shaking off is not merely passive detachment but an active, vigorous expulsion of something harmful, demonstrating Paul's composure and God's power.
Both occurrences, though distinct in their immediate application (symbolic rejection versus literal removal of danger), consistently convey a forceful, complete, and decisive disassociation from something undesirable, threatening, or spiritually detrimental.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἐκτινάσσω (G1621):** This verb, meaning "to shake out" or "to shake off," is virtually synonymous with ἀποτινάσσω in the specific context of shaking dust from the feet. It is used in [[Matthew 10:14]], [[Mark 6:11]], and [[Acts 13:51]] for the same symbolic action. The prefix ἐκ (*ek*) also denotes "out of" or "from," reinforcing the idea of removal.
* **ἀποσείω (G621):** Meaning "to shake off" or "to cast off," this verb is similar in semantic range, often implying the casting off of a burden or yoke. While closely related, ἀποτινάσσω specifically emphasizes the vigorous shaking off of something that adheres.
* **Dust (κόνις `{{G2868}}`, χοῦς `{{G5522}}`):** In the biblical context of shaking off dust, it often symbolizes defilement, responsibility, or association with a particular place or people. The act of shaking it off signifies a severing of that connection and a declaration of blamelessness.
* **Separation and Holiness:** The concept embodied by ἀποτινάσσω aligns with broader biblical themes of separation from sin, evil, and ungodliness. Believers are called to be distinct and holy, actively disengaging from that which would compromise their faith or purity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀποτινάσσω (G660) is profound, reflecting principles of divine judgment, apostolic witness, and the active disengagement from spiritual and physical threats.
1. **Prophetic Witness and Divine Judgment:** In the context of the disciples' mission ([[Luke 9:5]]), the act of shaking off dust is a solemn prophetic witness against those who reject the Gospel. It underscores the gravity of refusing Christ's message and messengers, signifying that God's grace has been offered, and the responsibility for rejection lies solely with the hearers. This act communicates that the messengers are free from any spiritual "dust" of unbelief and the impending judgment that awaits those who refuse the light. It serves as a stark visual and spiritual demarcation between those who accept the Kingdom of God and those who reject it.
2. **Apostolic Authority and Divine Protection:** Paul's miraculous deliverance from the viper ([[Acts 28:5]]) demonstrates God's sovereign power over creation and His unwavering protective care for His servants. The act of "shaking off" the creature signifies not only Paul's immediate physical response but also the divine enablement that rendered the venom harmless. This event powerfully validates Paul's apostolic authority and the truth of the Gospel he proclaimed, particularly to the pagan islanders who witnessed it. It illustrates that those commissioned by God are often supernaturally protected as they fulfill their mission, even in the face of deadly threats, serving as a sign to both believers and unbelievers.
3. **Purity and Disengagement from Evil:** At a broader theological level, ἀποτινάσσω embodies the principle of decisive disengagement from that which is spiritually or physically harmful. While the literal act is rare, the underlying principle of active spiritual separation from evil is a recurring biblical theme. Believers are called to be distinct from the world's defilement, to "shake off" practices, attitudes, or associations that compromise their faith, corrupt their character, or hinder their witness. It speaks to the necessity of active rejection of sin and its influences, maintaining a posture of purity and readiness for God's service.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀποτινάσσω (G660), meaning "to shake off" or "to brush off," is a compound term signifying a decisive and forceful removal of something that adheres. Its two significant occurrences in the New Testament illuminate its dual application. In [[Luke 9:5]], it describes the symbolic act of disciples shaking off dust as a testimony against those who reject the Gospel, signifying a complete disassociation and a prophetic declaration of judgment. In [[Acts 28:5]], it depicts Paul's miraculous and forceful removal of a venomous viper, illustrating divine protection and validating apostolic authority. Theologically, ἀποτινάσσω underscores the solemnity of rejecting God's message, the reality of divine protection for His servants, and the broader principle of active, decisive disengagement from spiritual and physical harm. It represents a complete and intentional severance, whether from a literal threat or a symbolic connection, emphasizing purity, witness, and the profound consequences of spiritual choices.
TRV