### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀπόχρησις (apóchrēsis), Strong's `{{G671}}`, is a compound noun derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo), meaning "from" or "away from," often indicating completion or cessation, and the verb χράομαι (chraomai), meaning "to use" or "employ." The combination yields a precise meaning: "the act of using up," "consumption," or "exhaustion through use." It signifies not merely the act of using something, but using it to the point of its depletion, destruction, or cessation of existence. Its semantic range is narrow, specifically pointing to the terminal nature of a thing's use.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀπόχρησις occurs only once in the New Testament, found in [[Colossians 2:22]].
The full verse reads: "which all are to perish with the using (τῇ ἀποχρήσει), according to the commandments and doctrines of men?" (ESV).
In this passage, the Apostle Paul is addressing the Colossian believers, warning them against various forms of false teaching, including ascetic practices and legalistic adherence to human traditions (e.g., "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" – [[Colossians 2:21]]). The phrase "which all are to perish with the using" (ἃ ἐστιν πάντα εἰς φθορὰν τῇ ἀποχρήσει) refers to the material objects and physical regulations that are the focus of these human ordinances. Paul emphasizes the inherent transience and perishability of these things. They are consumed and cease to exist through their very use (ἀπόχρησις). This statement underscores the futility of seeking spiritual benefit, righteousness, or a deeper relationship with God through practices that revolve around items that are by nature temporary and subject to decay. The "using up" of these physical elements highlights their inability to provide lasting spiritual value or to contribute to genuine spiritual maturity, which comes solely through Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **χράομαι (chraomai) `{{G5530}}`:** The base verb from which ἀπόχρησις is derived. While χράομαι means simply "to use," the addition of ἀπό in ἀπόχρησις intensifies the meaning to "use up" or "consume entirely."
* **φθορά (phthora) `{{G5356}}`:** Meaning "corruption," "decay," or "destruction." This word is directly linked to ἀπόχρησις in [[Colossians 2:22]], where things "perish (εἰς φθορὰν) with the using (τῇ ἀποχρήσει)." The two words together powerfully convey the transient and decaying nature of the material world when viewed apart from its Creator and ultimate purpose.
* **κενόω (kenoo) `{{G2758}}`:** "To empty," "make void." While not etymologically related, the concept of "using up" or "consuming" shares a semantic connection with depletion or making something empty of its substance or value.
* **Elements of the World (τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου):** In Colossians, Paul contrasts the "elements of the world" (`{{G4747}}` `{{G2889}}`) with Christ. The things that "perish with the using" are part of these "elements," highlighting their limited and temporary nature in contrast to the eternal reality of Christ.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of ἀπόχρησις in [[Colossians 2:22]] carries profound theological weight, particularly within Pauline soteriology and Christology.
* **Critique of Legalism and Asceticism:** The word serves as a sharp critique of human-made religious systems that place emphasis on external regulations concerning material things (food, drink, physical touch) as a path to spiritual purity or righteousness. Paul argues that such practices are futile because the objects themselves are inherently perishable and "used up." They cannot confer eternal life or true holiness.
* **Sufficiency of Christ:** By highlighting the transient nature of things subject to ἀπόχρησις, Paul implicitly contrasts them with the eternal, all-sufficient nature of Christ. True spiritual life, freedom, and maturity are found in Christ alone, not in adherence to rules about temporary objects. This reinforces the core message of Colossians: Christ is preeminent and sufficient for all spiritual needs.
* **The Transience of Creation (apart from Christ):** The word underscores a theological truth about the created order: apart from its ultimate purpose and redemption in Christ, it is subject to decay and consumption. This is not a condemnation of creation itself, but a reminder of its fallen state and its inability to provide ultimate salvation or satisfaction for the human soul.
* **Redirection to Eternal Realities:** By emphasizing the "using up" of material things and human traditions, Paul redirects the Colossians' focus away from superficial, temporary practices and towards the substantial, eternal reality of Christ, who is the source of all life, wisdom, and true spiritual nourishment.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀπόχρησις (apóchrēsis), Strong's `{{G671}}`, precisely means "the act of using up" or "consumption." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Colossians 2:22]] is highly significant, serving as a critical element in Paul's argument against legalism and asceticism. Paul states that the material things regulated by human traditions "perish with the using" (τῇ ἀποχρήσει), emphasizing their inherent transience and futility in achieving spiritual righteousness. This word profoundly highlights the contrast between the temporary, perishable nature of the material world and human-made rules (`{{G5356}}`), and the eternal, all-sufficient reality of Christ. Theologically, ἀπόχρησις underscores the insufficiency of external practices for true spiritual life and redirects believers to find their complete fulfillment and freedom in Christ alone, who is the source of all lasting value.
TRV