ἀποτρέπω
apotrépō
G665 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to turn away, to cause to turn away, to avert or deflect (something or someone) from a course or direction; in reflexive or passive forms, to turn oneself away, to avoid, to withdraw from, or to shun, especially in moral or social contexts.
Semantic Range
to turn away (literally), to deflect, to avert, to avoid, to withdraw from, to shun, to renounce
Root / Etymology
From ἀπό (from, away from) and the root τρεπ- (to turn). Formed as a compound verb meaning to turn away (transitive or intransitive). Cognate with verbs like τρέπω (to turn) and related nominal forms (τροπή, turning, direction).
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in classical Greek literature with the meaning to turn away, avert, or deflect, whether physically or metaphorically. In Koine Greek, including the LXX and NT, it is rare and carries over the classical senses, often with a moral or social connotation (e.g., turning away from wrongdoing, avoiding certain people or actions). The verb can function both transitively (to cause someone or something to turn away) and intransitively or reflexively (to turn oneself away, to avoid). English translations such as 'avoid,' 'shun,' or 'turn away' partially capture its range, but the nuance of active deflection versus personal withdrawal may be flattened in translation. In ethical discourse (e.g., moral exhortations), it may emphasize conscious avoidance or moral renunciation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀπό and the base of τροπή; to deflect, i.e. (reflexively) avoid:--turn away.
Root Family
τρέπ- (ektrépō) — to turn, to direct, to change direction
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G665-01 |
ἀποτρέπου | apotrepou | V PRS MID IMP 2P SG |
turn away | be turning yourself away | be turning yourself away | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G665-01 |
2 Timothy 3:5 | ἀποτρέπου | apotrepou | V PRS MID IMP 2P SG |
turn away | be turning yourself away | be turning yourself away |