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.
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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.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 10 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • 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.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 9 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Matthew (2 verses).

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

Verse Explorer

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