Pronunciation Guide: ah-pel-OW-no
Basic Definition
Strong’s G556: ἀπελαύνω (apelauno) is a compound verb expressing forceful removal or driving away, combining intensity with decisive action. It carries the sense of an authoritative command to depart or be expelled from a specific location. This word emphasizes both the authority of the one commanding and the definitive nature of the removal.
Etymology and Morphology
- Compound verb formed from ἀπό (away from) + ἐλαύνω (to drive, push)
- Primary usage in narrative sections describing authoritative actions
- Found in classical Greek literature describing military maneuvers
- Conveys official or legal force in administrative contexts
ἀπελαύνω Morphology:
- ἀπελαύνω (present active indicative) – I drive away
- ἀπήλασεν (aorist active indicative) – he drove away
- ἀπελαύνειν (present active infinitive) – to drive away
- ἀπελαυνόμενος (present passive participle) – being driven away
Origin & History
The word ἀπελαύνω has deep roots in classical Greek, where it was commonly used in military contexts to describe the forceful driving away of enemies or the movement of troops. Xenophon frequently employed this term in his “Anabasis” when describing military maneuvers and forced retreats. In the Septuagint, while less common, it appears in contexts of authoritative removal, particularly in administrative or judicial settings.
In early church fathers’ literature, Clement of Alexandria uses ἀπελαύνω in his “Protrepticus” when discussing the spiritual warfare against evil influences, showing how the term evolved to include spiritual applications while maintaining its sense of authoritative removal.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
- Forcefully drive away or expel from a location
- Remove with official or legal authority
- Command to depart with decisive finality
- Push back or repel with authority
ἀπελαύνω Translation Options:
- “Drive away” – Emphasizes the forceful nature of the removal
- “Expel” – Highlights the official authority behind the action
- “Command to depart” – Stresses the authoritative nature of the order
- “Remove forcibly” – Combines both authority and physical action
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, ἀπελαύνω appears most prominently in Acts 18:16, where it describes Gallio’s authoritative dismissal of the Jews from his judgment seat. This usage perfectly exemplifies the word’s connotation of official authority combined with decisive action. The term’s singular appearance in the New Testament makes it particularly significant, as it emphasizes the definitive nature of judicial authority in the Roman world.
- “And he drove them [ἀπήλασεν] from the judgment seat.” Acts 18:16
Cultural Insights
In the Roman judicial system, the act of driving away (ἀπελαύνω) from the judgment seat (βῆμα) was a formal declaration of case dismissal. This action carried significant weight in Roman society, as it represented not just a physical removal but a legal precedent. The βῆμα was a raised platform where Roman officials would sit to make official pronouncements, and being driven away from it was a public demonstration of the case’s conclusion and the authority’s final word.
The use of ἀπελαύνω in this context would have resonated deeply with Luke’s Roman readers, as it represented the intersection of Roman legal authority with the early church’s growing influence in the Empire. Gallio’s action effectively set a legal precedent for treating disputes about Jewish law as internal religious matters rather than civil crimes.
Theological Significance
The use of ἀπελαύνω in Acts 18:16 reveals God’s sovereign hand in protecting His people and advancing His kingdom through unexpected means. Gallio’s dismissal of the case against Paul, though seemingly a mere administrative action, became a crucial precedent that helped shield the early church from legal persecution throughout the Roman Empire.
This instance demonstrates how יהוה (Yahweh) can use even secular authority to accomplish His purposes, showing that He truly works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). The authoritative nature of ἀπελαύνω reminds us that God’s providence often works through official channels and legal decisions to protect His people and advance His kingdom.
Personal Application
When facing opposition or persecution, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s authority supersedes all earthly power. Just as He used Gallio’s dismissal to protect Paul and the early church, He continues to work through various authorities and circumstances to accomplish His purposes in our lives. This understanding should encourage us to trust in His sovereign control, even when facing seemingly adverse situations.
Related Words
- ἐκβάλλω (ekballo) – to cast out, eject; more forceful and often used in exorcisms – See G1544
- διώκω (dioko) – to pursue, persecute; focuses on the pursuit rather than the removal – See G1377
- ἐξωθέω (exotheo) – to thrust out; emphasizes the physical action of removal – See G1856
- ἀποδιώκω (apodioko) – to chase away; combines pursuit with removal – See G591
Did you Know?
- In modern Greek, ἀπελαύνω still maintains its core meaning of “to drive away” and is used in official contexts, particularly in law enforcement and military operations.
- The judgment seat (βῆμα) from which Gallio drove away Paul’s accusers was typically a raised platform made of marble or stone, symbolizing the elevation of Roman authority above the common people. Archaeological remains of these platforms can still be seen in ancient Roman cities today.
- The legal precedent set by Gallio’s use of ἀπελαύνω in dismissing the case against Paul effectively classified Christianity as a sect of Judaism in Roman law, providing crucial legal protection for the early church during its formative years.
Remember This
ἀπελαύνω represents the authoritative power to remove obstacles from God’s divine plan, reminding us that even secular authority ultimately serves His sovereign purposes.
