The Greek verb aperchomai is a compound of apo (away from) and erchomai (to come/go), meaning to go away, depart, withdraw, or leave a place or person. It occurs over 115 times in the New Testament and is one of the most common motion verbs, used both literally of physical movement and figuratively of spiritual departure.
While aperchomai is primarily a narrative verb describing movement, several theologically significant uses stand out. In John 6:68, after Jesus' hard teaching on the bread of life causes many disciples to 'go away' (aperchomai), Peter's response — 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life' — makes the departure of the many the backdrop for the confession of the few. The great cost of discipleship is displayed in those who 'went away sad' (Matthew 19:22, the rich young ruler). Jesus' own prediction of going away (John 16:7) reframes departure as provision — His going away makes the Spirit's coming possible.