Lexical Summary apotomia: Severity, sharpness, abruptness Original Word: ἀποτομία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance severity. From the base of apotomos; (figuratively) decisiveness, i.e. Rigor -- severity. see GREEK apotomos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and the same as apotomós Definition sharpness, steepness NASB Translation severity (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 663: ἀποτομίαἀποτομία, ἀποτομιας, ἡ (the nature of that which is ἀπότομος, cut off, abrupt, precipitous like a cliff, rough; from ἀποτέμνω), properly, sharpness (differing from ἀποτομή a cutting off, a segment); severity, roughness, rigor: Romans 11:22 (where opposed to χρηστότης, as in Plutarch, de book educ. c. 18 to πραότης, in Dionysius Halicarnassus 8, 61 to τό ἐπιεικές, and in Diodorus, p. 591 (except 83 (fragment 50:32, 27, 3 Dindorf)) to ἡμερότης). Topical Lexicon Scope and Meaning The noun ἀποτομία in Romans 11 carries the idea of decisive, uncompromising severity—the abrupt “cutting off” of that which stands opposed to God’s redemptive purposes. It is not mere harshness but righteous firmness that defends holiness, upholds covenant standards, and preserves the purity of the people of God. Occurrences in Scripture The term appears twice, both within Romans 11:22, once in the nominative (“severity”) and once in the accusative (“severity”). In each instance it is paired with χρηστότης (“kindness”), creating a deliberate contrast that compels readers to contemplate the fullness of God’s character. “Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.” (Romans 11:22) Context within Romans 11 Romans 11 addresses the mystery of Israel’s partial hardening and the grafting in of Gentile believers. Paul appeals to the olive tree metaphor (Romans 11:17-24) to caution Gentile Christians against arrogance. The “severity” is seen in God’s judgment upon unbelieving Israel—they were “broken off” branches. At the same time, the possibility of Gentiles likewise being “cut off” if they fall into unbelief underscores the ongoing relevance of divine discipline for every covenant community. Theological Significance 1. Divine Character: ἀποτομία affirms that God’s love is never sentimental; His holiness demands accountability (Hebrews 10:31). Old Testament Parallels • Deuteronomy 29:19-20—The LORD “will never be willing to forgive him… all the curses written in this book will fall upon him.” These passages anticipate Paul’s warning: covenant membership is a privilege that may be forfeited by unbelief. Historical Use in Jewish Thought Second Temple literature speaks of God’s swift judgment against idolatry (Wisdom of Solomon 12-14). Rabbinic writings describe the “middat hadin” (attribute of justice) complementing His mercy. Paul, trained under Gamaliel, transposes this duality into the gospel message. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship • Preaching: Faithful exposition must present both grace and judgment, avoiding unilateral emphases that erode either divine compassion or holiness. Related New Testament Themes Kindness (Romans 2:4), Fear of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:11), Cutting Off (John 15:2), Discipline (Hebrews 12:4-11), Falling Away (Hebrews 6:4-6), Judgment Beginning with God’s House (1 Peter 4:17). Summary ἀποτομία reminds believers that God’s redemptive plan is both inviting and exacting. Mercy extends to all who persevere in faith, while persistent unbelief invites decisive exclusion. Holding kindness and severity together nurtures reverent gratitude, moral vigilance, and unfaltering hope in the God whose judgments are true and whose promises are irrevocable. Forms and Transliterations αποτομια ἀποτομία αποτομιαν αποτομίαν ἀποτομίαν apotomia apotomía apotomian apotomíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 11:22 N-AFSGRK: χρηστότητα καὶ ἀποτομίαν θεοῦ ἐπὶ NAS: the kindness and severity of God; KJV: the goodness and severity of God: on INT: [the] kindness and severity of God upon Romans 11:22 N-NFS Strong's Greek 663 |
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