ἀποδιορίζω

apodiorízō

G592 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To set off by boundaries, to separate or mark out as distinct from something else. The term primarily refers to the act of making a boundary between things, either physically (as in land) or figuratively (as in groups or parties); in context, it commonly signifies to cause a clear separation, to designate apart, or to form distinct divisions. In Jewish and early Christian contexts, it is used predominantly for separating individuals from a community or distinguishing groups within assemblies.

Semantic Range

to set apart by boundaries, to draw a dividing line, to separate from a group, to distinguish, to create a party or faction, to exclude, to designate as distinct

Root / Etymology

Compound of the preposition ἀπό (‘from, away from’) and διορίζω (‘to mark off by boundaries’). Ultimately from διά (‘through’) + ὁρίζω (‘to define, to limit’); ὁρίζω itself from ὅρος (‘boundary, limit’).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀποδιορίζω occurs rarely, with similar sense: making a clear boundary or separation. In the Septuagint and Jewish-Hellenistic writings, the term appears for separation on legal or purity grounds. In the New Testament (e.g., Jude 19), it refers to those who cause divisions or make factional boundaries within a community. English translations often render it as 'cause divisions,' 'separate,' or 'make distinctions'; however, the Greek emphasizes the setting of boundaries rather than mere interpersonal division. The concept contrasts with terms for general separation (χωρίζω), as ἀποδιορίζω particularly highlights the establishment of a demarcation line or formal division (e.g., within religious, social, or ideological contexts).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀπό and a compound of διά and ὁρίζω; to disjoin (by a boundary, figuratively, a party):--separate.

Root Family

ἀποδιορίζω (apodiorizō) — to mark out, to set apart by boundaries, to separate, to distinguish

Root ὁρίζ- to mark out, to limit, to separate

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G592-01 ἀποδιορίζοντες apodiorizontes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL who separate themselves those marking off boundaries who mark off boundaries 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G592-01 Jude 1:19 ἀποδιορίζοντες apodiorizontes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL who separate themselves those marking off boundaries who mark off boundaries