ἀποστυγέω
apostygéō
G655 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To abhor, feel strong aversion toward, or detest intensely. Used to describe an active and powerful repulsion or rejection toward something considered evil, reprehensible, or deserving of strong moral disapproval. Contextually, it emphasizes total rejection and avoidance.
Semantic Range
to abhor completely, to detest utterly, to feel intense aversion toward, to shun with strong moral disapproval
Root / Etymology
From the prepositional prefix ἀπό (from, away from) and the verbal root στυγ- (to hate, abhor, shun), related to στυγέω (to hate, abhor).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ἀποστυγέω appears rarely in Greek literature, occurring in the New Testament in Romans 12:9, where it encourages abhorrence of evil. The underlying στυγ- root is found in classical Greek, typically denoting hatred or abhorrence, with words like στυγέω expressing personal aversion, especially of a moral or emotional kind. The prefix ἀπό reinforces the sense of complete separation or distance, producing a meaning of utter detestation. In Koine usage, the term conveys not just personal dislike but strong moral rejection. Standard English translations such as 'abhor' or 'detest' capture this core sense but may not fully express the intensity suggested by the term's construction in Greek. There is no significant nuance between secular Koine usage and the NT usage, but its NT context emphasizes ethical implications more sharply. Not to be confused with μισέω (to hate), which can be broader or less intense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀπό and the base of στυγνητός; to detest utterly:--abhor.
Root Family
ἀποστυγέω (apostygéō) — to hate, to abhor, to shun
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G655-01 |
ἀποστυγοῦντες | apostugountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
Abhor | utterly abhorring | utterly abhorring | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G655-01 |
Romans 12:9 | ἀποστυγοῦντες | apostugountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
Abhor | utterly abhorring | utterly abhorring |