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G580 · Greek · New Testament
ἀποβολή
Apobolē
Noun, feminine
Rejection / Loss / Casting Away

Definition

The Greek apobolē means rejection, loss, or the act of throwing away / casting off. From apoballo (to throw away, cast off), it appears only twice in the New Testament: once for Israel's rejection of the gospel (Romans 11:15) and once for the 'loss' of lives at sea (Acts 27:22).

Usage & Theological Significance

Romans 11:15 contains one of Paul's most astonishing theological turns: 'For if their rejection (apobolē) is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?' The apobolē of Israel — their setting aside as covenant bearers of the gospel — became the occasion for the gospel to spread to all nations. Paul's 'how much more' logic is stunning: if Israel's loss brought the Gentiles riches, imagine what Israel's full restoration will bring. This word sits at the heart of Paul's theology in Romans 9-11, maintaining both divine sovereignty in the apparent 'rejection' and hope for Israel's future redemption. God's apparent losses are always moving toward greater gains.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 11:15 For if their rejection (apobolē) brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
Acts 27:22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost (apobolē psychēs); only the ship will be destroyed.
Romans 11:12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!
Romans 11:25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters... Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.
Romans 11:26 And in this way all Israel will be saved.

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