Pronunciation Guide: ah-PEI-doh
Basic Definition
Strong’s G542: ἀπεῖδω is a compound verb meaning “to look away from” or “to turn attention from one thing to focus on another.” It combines the preposition ἀπό (away from) with εἴδω (to see/perceive), creating a word that describes intentionally directing one’s gaze or focus away from something to concentrate on something else deemed more important.
Etymology and Morphology
- Part of Speech: Verb
- Root Components: ἀπό (from, away from) + εἴδω (to see, perceive)
- Language Origin: Classical Greek
- Primary Usage: Narrative and epistolary literature
- Voice: Active and Middle
- Tense: Primarily aorist
ἀπεῖδω Morphology:
- ἀπεῖδον (aorist active indicative) – I looked away from
- ἀπιδών (aorist active participle nominative singular masculine) – having looked away from
- ἀπίδωμεν (aorist active subjunctive 1st person plural) – let us look away from
Origin & History
The word ἀπεῖδω emerged in classical Greek literature as a technical term for redirecting one’s attention or gaze. In Xenophon’s “Memorabilia” (4.1.3), it appears when describing Socrates’ method of turning away from less important matters to focus on essential philosophical questions. The term gained prominence in Hellenistic literature, particularly in philosophical works where it described the discipline of mental focus.
In the Septuagint, ἀπεῖδω appears in contexts where strategic spiritual focus is emphasized, notably in Psalm 31:7 (LXX 30:7), where it describes יהוה’s (Yahweh’s) attentive observation of human affliction. The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromateis” (2.20), employed the term to describe the believer’s necessary turning away from worldly distractions to focus on spiritual matters.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
- Strategic redirection of attention or focus
- Intentional turning away for a specific purpose
- Deliberate shift in mental or spiritual concentration
ἀπεῖδω Translation Options:
- “Look away from” – Emphasizes the physical action of redirecting gaze
- “Turn attention from” – Highlights the mental aspect of refocusing
- “Direct focus away” – Captures the intentional nature of the action
- “Withdraw consideration from” – Emphasizes the complete nature of the turning
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, ἀπεῖδω appears most notably in Philippians 2:23, where Paul uses it to describe his strategic waiting to see the outcome of his situation before sending Timothy. The word choice is significant as it implies not just passive waiting but active attention directed toward a specific outcome.
In the broader biblical context, this word family appears in key moments of spiritual decision-making and focus:
- “As soon as I see [ἀπίδω] how it will go with me” I will know when to send Timothy Philippians 2:23
- “For He has not despised nor looked away from [ἀπεῖδεν] the affliction of the afflicted” Yahweh sees our suffering Psalm 31:7 (LXX)
Cultural Insights
In ancient Greek athletic training, trainers would use the concept of ἀπεῖδω to teach athletes to maintain focus during competition. Athletes were trained to “look away from” the crowd and distractions, focusing solely on their objective. This cultural practice provides a rich backdrop for understanding the spiritual discipline implied in biblical usage.
The word also carried significant meaning in Jewish thought, particularly in rabbinic literature where the concept of “turning away” from sin to focus on Torah study was a fundamental spiritual discipline. This understanding would have resonated deeply with the first-century Jewish believers reading Paul’s letters.
Theological Significance
The use of ἀπεῖδω in Scripture reveals a profound theological truth about spiritual focus and divine attention. When applied to God, as in the Septuagint, it demonstrates His intentional and purposeful attention to His people’s needs. He never casually glances but always looks with purpose and intent.
For believers, the word teaches the importance of spiritual discipline in maintaining focus on the Messiah. Just as Paul strategically waited while focusing on the right timing, we are called to develop spiritual discernment that knows when to turn away from distractions and toward divine purposes.
Personal Application
In our modern world of constant distractions, ἀπεῖδω challenges us to practice intentional spiritual focus. This isn’t about passive withdrawal but active engagement in turning our attention toward what truly matters. When we feel overwhelmed by life’s demands, this word reminds us to strategically redirect our focus to the Messiah Jesus and His purposes.
Consider practical ways to implement this concept: set aside specific times to “look away from” digital devices, create boundaries that protect your spiritual focus, and develop habits that help maintain attention on eternal priorities.
Related Words
- βλέπω (blepo) – to see, look at – Emphasizes physical sight but lacks the strategic turning away component. See G991
- θεωρέω (theoreo) – to observe, contemplate – Focuses on careful observation but without the element of turning from one thing to another. See G2334
- σκοπέω (skopeo) – to look at, consider – Involves careful examination but doesn’t necessarily include turning away from other things. See G4648
- ἀφοράω (aphorao) – to look away from one thing to another – Similar compound word with slightly different emphasis on the completion of the turning. See G872
Did you Know?
- In ancient Greek medical texts, ἀπεῖδω was used to describe a doctor’s careful observation of symptoms while deliberately ignoring irrelevant patient behaviors, showing the word’s connection to professional discernment.
- Modern Greek still uses derivatives of this word in professional contexts, particularly in psychology, where it describes the therapeutic practice of helping patients redirect attention from anxiety-producing thoughts to constructive solutions.
- The compound structure of ἀπεῖδω (ἀπό + εἴδω) follows a common pattern in Koine Greek where spatial prepositions combine with verbs of perception to create precise technical terms for mental and spiritual activities.
Remember This
ἀπεῖδω embodies the transformative power of strategic spiritual focus – knowing when to turn away from distractions to fix our gaze upon the Messiah and His purposes.
