from ἐκ and πέμπω; to despatch:--send away (forth).
Transliteration:ekpémpō
Pronunciation:ek-pem'-po
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ekpémpō (`{{G1599}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ek (`{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb pémpō (`{{G3992}}`), meaning "to send." This etymological structure provides the core meaning: "to send out from," "to dispatch," or "to send away." The prefix ek emphasizes the origin point from which the sending occurs, highlighting a movement *away from* a specific location or context. The semantic range of ekpémpō therefore revolves around a purposeful and decisive act of sending, often with a clear destination or objective in mind. It implies more than a mere departure; rather, it suggests an active dispatching by an agent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ekpémpō (`{{G1599}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, exclusively within the book of Acts, and both instances are deeply connected to the early Christian missionary movement.
1. **[[Acts 13:4]]**: "So, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus."
* In this pivotal verse, ekpémpō (ἐκπεμφθέντες) is used in the passive voice to describe Barnabas and Saul (Paul) being "sent forth" by the Holy Spirit. The context is the church in Antioch, where the Holy Spirit has divinely commissioned these two men for their first missionary journey. The passive construction emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate agent initiating and directing their mission. This usage underscores the divine origin and authority behind their apostolic work, signifying a clear, authoritative dispatch for the purpose of evangelism. They are not merely departing, but are being divinely dispatched from Antioch.
2. **[[Acts 17:10]]**: "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews."
* Here, ekpémpō (ἐξέπεμψαν) is used in the active voice, with "the brethren" in Thessalonica as the subject. Due to intense persecution and a mob's assault, the believers in Thessalonica "immediately sent away" Paul and Silas to Berea. This act was a strategic and protective measure, designed to ensure the safety of the missionaries and to allow their ministry to continue elsewhere. This context illustrates ekpémpō as a purposeful "sending out" from a place of danger, demonstrating the community's active role in facilitating and protecting the spread of the Gospel.
In both occurrences, ekpémpō consistently denotes a purposeful, decisive sending from a specific location (Antioch by the Spirit, Thessalonica by the brethren) for a particular mission or for strategic protection, always implying a dispatch rather than a simple departure.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **pémpō (`{{G3992}}`):** The base verb, meaning "to send." ekpémpō specifies the direction ("out from") and often the decisiveness of the sending, adding a nuance of dispatching.
* **apostéllō (`{{G649}}`):** This common verb also means "to send," often with the connotation of sending with a commission or authority (e.g., an apostle is one who is "sent"). While apostéllō emphasizes the authority and purpose of the sender, ekpémpō highlights the physical act of dispatching *from* a point of origin. There is semantic overlap in missionary contexts, but ekpémpō specifically underscores the act of being sent forth from a place.
* **exérchomai (`{{G1831}}`):** Meaning "to go out" or "to come out." This verb describes the act of egress but lacks the active "sending" component. ekpémpō implies an external agent causing the departure, whereas exérchomai can be a self-initiated movement.
* **Divine Commission:** The use in [[Acts 13:4]] directly links ekpémpō to the concept of divine commissioning, where the Holy Spirit is the ultimate sender of missionaries.
* **Missionary Activity:** Both occurrences are found within narratives of early Christian missionary journeys, highlighting the practice of the church in dispatching evangelists.
### Theological Significance
The limited but potent use of ekpémpō (`{{G1599}}`) in Acts carries significant theological weight:
1. **Divine Initiative in Mission:** The primary theological insight comes from [[Acts 13:4]], where Barnabas and Saul are "sent forth by the Holy Spirit." This powerfully affirms that Christian mission is not merely a human endeavor but originates from divine initiative. The Holy Spirit is portrayed not just as an empowering presence but as the active dispatcher, demonstrating God's sovereign direction over the expansion of the Gospel. This foundational truth asserts that the church is sent by God Himself.
2. **The Church as a Sending Body:** While the Spirit is the ultimate sender, the context of [[Acts 13:4]] also involves the church in Antioch, which had been fasting and ministering before the Spirit's directive. Thus, ekpémpō implicitly underscores the church's vital role as a *sending agency*, responsible for discerning, equipping, commissioning, and releasing ministers for service. This is further reinforced in [[Acts 17:10]], where the "brethren" actively send Paul and Silas away, illustrating the community's practical involvement in facilitating and sustaining ministry, even in challenging circumstances.
3. **Purposeful Dispatch:** The term implies a deliberate and intentional act of sending. The missionaries are not aimlessly wandering but are strategically dispatched for a specific divine purpose – the proclamation of the Gospel. This reinforces the understanding that Christian ministry is intentional, strategic, and guided by God's overarching plan.
4. **Divine Providence and Protection:** In [[Acts 17:10]], the "sending away" by the brethren is an act of protection, ensuring the safety and continued ministry of Paul and Silas. This illustrates God's providence working through human agents to preserve His servants and advance His kingdom, even amidst opposition. The sending is not an abandonment but a strategic repositioning orchestrated for the advancement of the Gospel.
### Summary
ekpémpō (`{{G1599}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to send out," "to dispatch," or "to send away," emphasizing a decisive sending from an origin point. Its two New Testament occurrences, both in the book of Acts, are crucial for understanding the dynamics of early Christian mission. In [[Acts 13:4]], it describes Barnabas and Saul being "sent forth" by the Holy Spirit, highlighting the divine initiative and commission inherent in missionary work. In [[Acts 17:10]], it depicts the brethren "sending away" Paul and Silas for their safety and the continuation of their ministry, underscoring the church's active role in facilitating and protecting its ministers. Theologically, ekpémpō points to the divine origin and direction of mission, the church's responsibility as a sending body, and the purposeful, providential nature of God's work in the world, often involving the strategic dispatch of His servants.
TRV