### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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