The Greek word apochōréō, represented by G672, means to go away or depart. It is formed from the words G575 apó, meaning "away from," and chōréō. It appears only 3 times in the Bible, but each instance describes a significant act of separation.
In the biblical narrative, G672 is used in three distinct contexts. In a declaration of final judgment, Jesus commands those who work iniquity to depart from him Matthew 7:23. The word also describes a personal decision within the early church, where John Mark is recorded as departing from Paul and his company to return to Jerusalem Acts 13:13. Finally, it is used to illustrate a spiritual struggle, where an unclean spirit "hardly departeth" from a man it has tormented Luke 9:39.
Several related words provide context for the act of departing:
- G575 apó (a primary particle; "off," i.e. away): As a prefix, this word gives G672 its sense of separation and is used alongside it in every occurrence, such as to "depart from me" Matthew 7:23.
- G5290 hypostréphō (to turn under (behind), i.e. to return): This action immediately follows John's departure, showing he departed from the group and then returned to Jerusalem Acts 13:13.
- G321 anágō: In the narrative of John's departure, this word is used just before to describe how Paul's company loosed from Paphos, setting the scene for the subsequent separation Acts 13:13.
- G2038 ergázomai (to toil... be engaged in or with): This word defines the character of those commanded to depart from Christ, as they are described as those that work iniquity Matthew 7:23.
The theological weight of G672 is demonstrated in its specific applications:
- Final Separation: Its use in Matthew 7:23 establishes its role in eschatological judgment. The command to depart is a divine and final act of separation between Christ and those who practice lawlessness.
- Spiritual Deliverance: In Luke's Gospel, the word highlights the difficulty of spiritual warfare. The spirit's reluctance to depart emphasizes the power required for deliverance and the violent nature of the conflict Luke 9:39.
- Human Agency in Ministry: The account in Acts 13:13 shows departure as an act of human will. John's choice to depart from the mission field illustrates that separation is not always a divine or demonic action, but can be a personal decision.
In summary, G672 is a specific and potent term for separation. Though used rarely, it powerfully conveys the concept of departure in critical moments of judgment, spiritual conflict, and personal choice. Each use marks a definitive "going away" that alters relationships, whether between God and man, a spirit and a person, or among fellow believers in their mission.
TRV