English · KJV
G873

ἀφορίζω

aphorízō /af-or-id'-zo/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἀπό and ὁρίζω
Meaningto set off by boundary, i.e. (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc.
KJV usagedivide, separate, sever.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of aphorízō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word aphorízō, represented by G873, means to set off by a boundary. It is used to figuratively limit, exclude, appoint, divide, separate, or sever. Appearing 10 times across 9 unique verses, it describes the act of creating a clear and purposeful division.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G873 is used to convey several types of separation. It signifies a divine appointment, as when Paul describes himself as being separated unto the gospel of God Romans 1:1 and chosen by God who separated him from his mother's womb Galatians 1:15. The Holy Ghost also uses this term to commission missionaries, saying, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work" Acts 13:2. The word also depicts the final judgment, where a shepherd will separate the sheep from the goats Matthew 25:32 and angels will sever the wicked from the just Matthew 13:49.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the concept of separation:

  • G2822 klētós (called): This term for being invited or appointed is used alongside G873 to describe Paul's identity as "called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel" Romans 1:1, emphasizing that separation is a result of a divine call.
  • G868 aphístēmi (to remove, depart): In Acts, Paul departed from those who spoke evil and separated the disciples, showing a deliberate act of withdrawing to create a distinct group Acts 19:9.
  • G1342 díkaios (just, righteous): The purpose of the final judgment is to sever the wicked from among the just, highlighting that the separation is based on a moral and spiritual distinction Matthew 13:49.
  • G1831 exérchomai (to issue, come forth, depart): This word is used in the command to "come out from among them, and be ye separate," linking the physical act of departure with the spiritual state of being set apart 2 Corinthians 6:17.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G873 is profound, touching on core doctrines of salvation and holiness.

  • Divine Calling and Commission: God sovereignly sets individuals apart for specific tasks. This is not a human decision but a divine action, as seen when Paul was separated by God's grace Galatians 1:15 and when the Holy Spirit commanded the separation of Barnabas and Saul for their work Acts 13:2.
  • Sanctification and Purity: The term is used to command believers to live a life distinct from the world. The call to "be ye separate" from what is unclean is a condition for fellowship with God 2 Corinthians 6:17. This can also involve a practical separation from those who are hardened against the truth Acts 19:9.
  • Final Judgment: G873 is a key word for describing the final and irreversible division that will occur at the end of the age. This act of severing the wicked from the just demonstrates God's ultimate justice and the establishment of a perfect order (Matthew 13:49, Matthew 25:32).

Summary

In summary, G873 is a powerful word that defines the act of creating a boundary. It is applied to the apostolic call, the church's practical holiness, and the final eschatological judgment. Whether it is God appointing a person for a mission, a believer separating from sin, or an angel dividing the wicked from the just, aphorízō consistently illustrates the biblical principle of a necessary and decisive separation.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 10 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Passive Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Nominative
The subject 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.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G2822 κλητός from the same as κλῆσις; invited, i.e. appointed, or (specially), a saint:--called. G868 ἀφίστημι from ἀπό and ἵστημι; to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.:--dep G1342 δίκαιος from δίκη; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively):--just, meet, righ G1831 ἐξέρχομαι from ἐκ and ἔρχομαι; to issue (literally or figuratively):--come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abr

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 9 verses across 6 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew, Acts, and Galatians (2 verses each); never once in the other 21.

2
Matthew
1
Luke
2
Acts
1
Romans
1
2 Corinthians
2
Galatians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.