ἀποτόμως

From the study of 2 Corinthians 13:10

Range of meaning

The adverb comes from apotemnō, 'to cut off.' The adjective apotomos describes something cut off sheer, like a cliff face. From there it came to mean abrupt, unsparing, rigorous or stern. It is used of judges, rulers and harsh rebukes (BDAG s.v. ἀποτόμως: 'severely, rigorously'). The noun apotomia means 'severity.'

Against the English

'Severe' (BSB, ESV, NASB), 'sharply' (WEB), 'sharpness' (KJV), 'harsh' (NIV). All are close. 'Sharp' keeps the cutting picture best. 'Harsh' can suggest an unkind personality, while the Greek suggests strict, unsparing enforcement.

Used elsewhere in the period

Wisdom of Solomon uses this word group for God's unsparing judgment. Wis 6:5 says severe judgment (krisis apotomos) falls on those in high places. Wis 11:10 speaks of a stern king (apotomos basileus) condemning. Wis 5:20 speaks of stern wrath. In the NT it appears in Titus 1:13 ('rebuke them sharply'), and the noun in Rom 11:22 ('the kindness and the severity of God').

From the study of Titus 1:13

Range of meaning

From apotemnō, 'to cut off'. The adjective apotomos means 'sheer, abrupt' (of a cliff) and so 'severe, unbending'. The adverb means 'sharply, severely, without softening, decisively'.

Against the English

'Sharply' (KJV, WEB, YLT, NIV, ESV), 'sternly' (BSB, NLT), 'severely' (NASB). All are fair. 'Severely' can suggest harsh punishment, but the word describes how direct the correction is, not that it should be cruel.

Used elsewhere in the period

The only other NT use is 2 Cor 13:10, where Paul hopes he will not have to 'deal sharply' with the Corinthians when he comes, and there the sharpness serves 'building up, not tearing down'. The related noun apotomia is God's 'severity' in Rom 11:22, set beside his kindness. In Wisdom of Solomon 5:20; 6:5; 11:10 the adjective describes God's stern judgment.