← G662 G664 →

ἀποτομία

apotomía

G663 noun

SILEX Entry

Root τομ- to cut, to sever, to divide sharply

Definition

The state or quality of being cut off sharply; abruptness, severity, or rigor in action or judgment. In figurative contexts, especially in Paul’s writings, denotes harshness, strictness, or uncompromising decisiveness, often displayed in divine or judicial contexts.

Semantic Range

sharpness (literal or figurative), severity, rigor, abruptness, abrupt separation, uncompromising decisiveness, severity in judgment

Root / Etymology

From ἀποτόμως (‘sharply, abruptly, severely’), derived from ἀποτέμνω (‘to cut off, to cut away’), formed with the abstract noun ending -ία. The root is τέμνω (‘to cut’), with the prepositional prefix ἀπο- (‘from, away’).

Historical & Contextual Notes

This noun is rare in extant Greek literature, with its primary NT occurrence in Romans 11:22, where Paul contrasts God’s kindness (χρηστότης) and severity (ἀποτομία) in his dealings with Israelite and non-Israelite communities. The term is not found in the Septuagint, and in post-classical literature it maintains the broad meaning of severity, especially in the sense of abrupt separation or harsh action. While later English translations often render it 'severity,' the term retains the force of sudden, decisive, even drastic action. In philosophical or rhetorical Greek, related roots are used for judgment or action that is marked by sharpness or lack of mitigation. The concept is distinct from ἀγριότης (‘harshness, cruelty’), as ἀποτομία concerns abruptness and rigor rather than general harshness. This nuance may be underappreciated in traditional translations.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the base of ἀποτόμως; (figuratively) decisiveness, i.e. rigor:--severity.

Root Family

ἀποτομία (apotomia) — cutting off, sharpness, severity, rigor, abrupt separation

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G663-02 ἀποτομίαν apotomian N ACC F SG severity cutting-off severity cutting-off severity 1
G663-01 ἀποτομία apotomia N NOM F SG severity cutting-off severity cutting-off severity 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G663-02 Romans 11:22 ἀποτομίαν apotomian N ACC F SG severity cutting-off severity cutting-off severity
G663-01 Romans 11:22 ἀποτομία apotomia N NOM F SG severity cutting-off severity cutting-off severity
← G662 Greek Lexicon G664 →