Lexical Summary aporphanizó: To be bereaved, to be orphaned, to be left without Original Word: ἀπορφανίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to make an orphan ofFrom apo and a derivative of orphanos; to bereave wholly, i.e. (figuratively) separate (from intercourse) -- take. see GREEK apo see GREEK orphanos HELPS Word-studies 642 aporphanízō (from 575 /apó, "separate from" and 3737 /orphanós, "leave as an orphan") – properly, to orphan; (figuratively) deprive, leaving someone defenseless – like an orphan, bereft of a father's care and instruction (used only in 1 Thes 2:17). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and orphanizó (to make orphan, destitute) Definition to be bereaved NASB Translation taken away (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 642: ἀπορφανίζωἀπορφανίζω: (1 aorist passive participle ἀπορφανισθεις); (from ὀρφανός bereft, and ἀπό namely, τίνος), to bereave of a parent or parents (so Aeschylus choiëph. 247 (249)); hence, metaphorically, ἀπορφανισθέντες ἀφ' ὑμῶν bereft of your contact and society, 1 Thessalonians 2:17 (here Rec.elz (by mistake) ἀποφανισθεντες. Topical Lexicon Scope and Nuance of the Word Ἀπορφανίζω depicts an abrupt and painful severing of relationship, conveying the sense of being “orphaned” or “bereft.” While its only New Testament occurrence concerns apostolic separation rather than literal parent-child loss, the term carries the weight of parental tenderness suddenly interrupted. Biblical Occurrence and Context 1 Thessalonians 2:17: “But brothers, when we were separated from you for a short time—in person but not in heart—we were all the more eager, with great desire, to see you face to face”. Paul recalls the forced departure from Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-10). He and his team had nurtured the fledgling church “like a nursing mother” (1 Thessalonians 2:7) and “like a father” (2:11). The verb ἀπορφανισθέντες crystallizes how unnatural that rupture felt: spiritual parents torn from their children. Historical Background Thessalonica lay on the Via Egnatia, a strategic Roman route. Jewish opposition and city unrest compelled Paul’s night escape, leaving converts exposed to persecution. The sense of sudden orphanhood is historical as well as emotional; the local believers lost their primary teachers within weeks of conversion. This explains Paul’s urgency in dispatching Timothy (1 Thessalonians 3:2) and his second-letter reassurance (2 Thessalonians 2:15) that oral and written instruction stand together. Theological Themes and Ministry Implications 1. Spiritual Parenthood: Genuine gospel ministry births responsibility akin to fatherhood and motherhood. Separation from those discipled should never be casual; Paul’s grief models shepherd-like commitment (cf. John 10:12-13). Related Scriptural Imagery • God the “Father of the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5) underscores His protective character whenever orphan language appears. Practical Application for Believers • Evaluate discipleship through the lens of family responsibility, not transactional engagement. Summary Strong’s Greek 642 captures the intense sorrow of forced separation between spiritual parents and children. Rooted in Paul’s Thessalonian experience, it urges every generation of believers to cherish fellowship, guard the vulnerable, and trust the faithful Father who never abandons His own. Forms and Transliterations απέσαξε απεσιώπησαν απορφανισθεντες απορφανισθέντες ἀπορφανισθέντες αποσβέννυται αποσβεσθήσεται αποσειόμενος aporphanisthentes aporphanisthéntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |