ἀποστρέφω
To turn away or back (literally or figuratively)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does ἀποστρέφω (apostréphō) mean in the Bible?
ἀποστρέφω (apostréphō) is a Greek word meaning "to turn away or back (literally or figuratively)". ἀπο-στρέφω [in LXX chiefly for שׁוּב ;] trans. The term highlights the painful reality that some distance themselves from faithful servants when the cost of association becomes high.
Full entry for ἀποστρέφω (G654) · Browse the biblical lexicon
Meaning
Why This Word Matters
The term highlights the painful reality that some distance themselves from faithful servants when the cost of association becomes high. 2 Timothy 1:15-18
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 1×
Imperative command or strong request 1×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 3×
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 1×
Indicative states a fact or reality 3×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 9 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.