[Greek] ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi), [Latin] discedere, [Latin] recedere, [Latin] avertere, [French] partir, [French] reculer, [French] detourner: to depart, to cause to rebel, to abandon, to keep away from, to leave, to refrain, to withdraw; Lk.2:37, Lk.4:13, Lk.8:13, Lk.13:27, Acts 5:37-38, Acts 12:10, Acts 15:38, Acts 19:9, Acts 22:29, 2Cor.12:8, 1Tim.4:1, 1Tim.6:5, 2Tim.2:19, Heb.3:12
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to remove, to seduce, to win away, to resign, to fall away, to hinder, to dismiss, to frustrate, to stand aloof, and to shrink from doing.
Isocrates’ Evagoras 9.29: “Neither did he lose heart, nor did any of his companions see fit to shrink from these dangers.”
Xenophon’s Hellenica 7.5.23: “Epaminondas led his army on believing that he would destroy the entire army of his adversaries.”
Sophocles’ Philoctetes 865: “Quiet, I say, and do not abandon your wits!”
Homer’s Odyssey 23.101: “No other woman would harden her heart, and stand aloof from her husband.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 9.23: “They accordingly withdrew where they deliberated what they should do.”
Euripides’ Iphigenia in Tauris 912: “Let nothing hold me back, nor will it prevent me from speaking.”
Old Testament: This term, used extensively, means to turn aside, to remove, to drag off, to abolish, to depart, to reject, to forsake, and to cut off. This term pertains to rebellion, apostasy (political and religious), and cultic worship of the gods.
New Testament: This term means to depart, to rebel, to abandon, and to avoid. The prophetess Anna never left the temple, worshipping day and night. The devil departs from Jesus after tempting Him. Those seeds falling away are like those who lose their faith during difficulties. The master of the house will tell those remaining at the door to depart from him. Judas the Galilean protested the census by Quirinius. The soldiers, learning that Paul was a Roman citizen, wanted nothing to do with him. John, who was called Mark, deserted Paul and Barnabas. Paul withdrew and took his followers to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. Paul did not want his “thorn in his side” to leave him. The Spirit foretells that some will turn away from the faith. The Pharisee Gamaliel told others to let human inspired movements to collapse on their own.
Scripture:
“Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in a time of trial.” Lk.8:13
These seeds represent those whose faith does not last. Their faith will fall away during trials and difficulties.
“So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.” Acts 5:38
Gamaliel offers wisdom about human inspired movements that eventually fail. Likewise, God inspired movements will not perish.
“Then he will say to you, ‘I do no know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’” Lk.13:27
Jesus states that one must strive to enter through the narrow door. However, many will try but will not be able to enter through this door. Those remaining will be told to depart.
Etymology: The Latin verb discedere means to depart or to leave. The Latin verb recedere means to recede or to retreat. A recluse is one who is shut up or withdrawn. The Latin verb avertere means to turn away or to withdraw
Conclusion:
Depart, part, recede, recluse, avert, aversion, detour, recession, departure
In Greek Hellenism, this term is used in both explicit ways (physical movement) and nuanced ways (standing aloof, shrinking from, preventing, frustrating, winning away (someone), and putting away). (Isocrates’ quote can speak to the Ukrainians’ fortitude and courage in their war).
In the Old Testament, this term is narrowly defined to political or religious apostasy.
During difficulties times, one may often loose faith and hope. On the other hand, difficulties may in fact draw one closer to God. “I need help, God!” (Many of us are already praying for the people of Ukraine).
The Pharisee Gamaliel offers timeless wisdom about human endeavors which end in disaster. (This brings to mind Russia’s folly in attacking Ukraine).
When the soldiers learned about Paul’s Roman citizenship, they were basically saying “I don’t want to deal with this!”
Update: The Ukrainians are bravely fighting for their country. Knowing what is at stake, the people of Ukraine do not shrink from these dangers. They are standing tall in the eyes of the world. Think of Ukraine when you listen to Brahms’ Sextet No.10 in B flat 2nd movement. (Even Sarek cried….Not logical.)
Next post: You know that resistance (to reading my next post) is futile. ☺
In the meantime, listen to a young violinist playing for her fellow Ukrainians who have retreated in a bomb shelter (How can you resist not listening to this beautiful music!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=200gsMIjmpg