ἀφίστημι

aphístēmi /af-is'-tay-mee/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἀπό and ἵστημι
Meaningto remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.
KJV usagedepart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word aphístēmi, represented by G868, is used to mean remove, desist, or depart. It appears 16 times across 15 unique verses. The term carries a range of meanings from instigating a revolt and drawing people away to the reflexive act of deserting, refraining, or withdrawing oneself.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G868 is used in several critical contexts. It serves as a stern warning against apostasy, cautioning that some will "depart from the faith" 1 Timothy 4:1 or that an evil heart of unbelief can cause one to "departing from the living God" Hebrews 3:12. It also describes those who "fall away" during times of temptation Luke 8:13. Conversely, it is used as a command for holy separation, instructing believers to "depart from iniquity" 2 Timothy 2:19 and to "withdraw thyself" from corrupt individuals 1 Timothy 6:5. The word can also describe a physical departure, as when an angel "departed" from Peter Acts 12:10.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concepts of departure and separation:

  • G570 apistía (unbelief): This is presented as a direct cause for negative departure, as seen in the warning against having an "evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" Hebrews 3:12.
  • G873 aphorízō (separate): This word is used in conjunction with G868 to show a decisive action. In Acts, Paul "departed from them, and separated the disciples" Acts 19:9, highlighting a deliberate act of setting apart.
  • G4108 plános (seducing, deceiver): This term identifies a source of apostasy. Those who "depart from the faith" do so by "giving heed to seducing spirits" 1 Timothy 4:1.
  • G1287 diaskorpízō (to dissipate, scatter abroad): This word describes the consequence for those illegitimately drawn away. After Judas of Galilee "drew away" many people, they "were dispersed" upon his death Acts 5:37.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G868 is significant, centering on the theme of spiritual allegiance.

  • Warning Against Apostasy: The most prominent use of G868 is as a warning. It describes the act of falling away from foundational belief, as seen in the parable of the sower Luke 8:13 and in Paul's prophecies about the latter times 1 Timothy 4:1.
  • Command for Sanctification: The term is also used in a positive, imperative sense. The call for every one who names Christ to "depart from iniquity" establishes a core principle of Christian conduct 2 Timothy 2:19. Similarly, the instruction to "withdraw thyself" from those with corrupt minds is a command for spiritual purity 1 Timothy 6:5.
  • Active Rebellion: The word can signify a deliberate effort to lead others astray. Judas of Galilee "drew away much people after him," showing the active side of instigating a revolt against an established order Acts 5:37.

Summary

In summary, G868 is far more than a simple term for movement. It is a pivotal word in biblical theology, defining the critical choice of moving toward or away from God, truth, and righteousness. It illustrates how a single action can represent both a damning departure from faith and a necessary separation from evil, capturing the profound dynamics of spiritual loyalty and rebellion.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 15 occurrences, inflected in 12 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Imperative 3rd Singular 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Future Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 15 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Acts (6 verses).

4
Luke
6
Acts
1
2 Corinthians
2
1 Timothy
1
2 Timothy
1
Hebrews

Verse Explorer

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