"a falling away, a rebellion, apostasy, Acts 21:21; 2 Thess. 2:3*"
Definition and meaning
a falling away, a rebellion, apostasy, Acts 21:21; 2 Thess. 2:3*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀποστασία
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of apostasia (G646) across the King James Bible.
And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
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Common questions
Strong's G646 (apostasia) is a Greek word that means: a falling away, a rebellion, apostasy, Acts 21:21; 2 Thess. 2:3* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word apostasia (G646) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G646 is apostasia, a Greek word defined as: a falling away, a rebellion, apostasy, Acts 21:21; 2 Thess. 2:3*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
apostasia is a Greek word found in the New Testament.