The Greek verb aparneomai (a strengthened form of arneomai, G720) means to deny completely, to disown, to renounce, to repudiate. The prefix apo- intensifies the denial — not merely declining something but actively distancing oneself from it.
Jesus uses aparneomai in the call to discipleship: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves (aparnēsasthō)' (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). Self-denial here is not masochism but the fundamental reorientation of one's center — from self to Christ. The same word is used for Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:34-35, 75; Mark 14:30-31, 72; Luke 22:34, 61) — a searing contrast. Peter denied the Lord; the disciple is called to deny self. Jesus also warns: 'Whoever disowns (aparneomai) me before others, I will disown before my Father' (Matthew 10:33). The stakes are ultimate — this word governs eternal relationship.