from ἐκ and ἀποστέλλω; to send away forth, i.e. (on a mission) to despatch, or (peremptorily) to dismiss:--send (away, forth, out).
Transliteration:exapostéllō
Pronunciation:ex-ap-os-tel'-lo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐξαποστέλλω (exapostéllō, `{{G1821}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, "out of," "from") and the verb ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, "to send away," "to dispatch," `{{G649}}`). The prefix ἐκ intensifies or specifies the direction of the sending, emphasizing a movement *out from* a point of origin. This gives ἐξαποστέλλω a distinct nuance compared to the simpler ἀποστέλλω.
Its core meaning encompasses two primary semantic ranges:
1. **To send forth on a mission or for a specific purpose (to dispatch):** This is the more frequent and theologically significant usage. It implies an authoritative sending with an assigned task or destination. The sending is not arbitrary but purposeful.
2. **To send away definitively (to dismiss or release):** In some contexts, it can denote a peremptory dismissal or release, such as sending someone away empty-handed.
The presence of ἐκ suggests a decisive, often irreversible, sending from a source, highlighting the origin of the one sent and the authority of the sender.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐξαποστέλλω appears in the New Testament primarily in the Gospels and Acts, with significant theological usage in Paul's epistles.
* In the Gospel of Luke, the verb is used in various contexts:
* [[Luke 1:53]]: "He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty." Here, it signifies a definitive dismissal or sending away without provision, illustrating God's reversal of fortunes.
* [[Luke 20:10-13]]: In the parable of the wicked tenants, the vineyard owner repeatedly ἐξαποστέλλω his servants, and finally his beloved son, to collect the produce. This highlights the owner's persistent attempts to receive what is due, emphasizing the authoritative and purposeful dispatch of messengers.
* [[Luke 24:49]]: Jesus tells His disciples, "And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you." This refers to the Holy Spirit, indicating a divine, authoritative dispatch for empowerment.
* In the book of Acts, ἐξαποστέλλω describes the sending of individuals for specific purposes:
* [[Acts 7:12]]: "But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers first." This refers to Jacob dispatching his sons to obtain food.
* [[Acts 13:4]]: "So, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia..." This describes Paul and Barnabas being divinely commissioned and sent out on their missionary journey, underscoring the Holy Spirit as the initiating agent.
* Paul's letters contain the most profound theological uses:
* [[Galatians 4:4]]: "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." This verse is central to Christology, depicting God's decisive act in sending Jesus into the world for redemption. The "sending forth" emphasizes divine initiative, pre-existence, and a specific mission.
* [[Galatians 4:6]]: "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" This verse parallels the sending of the Son, showing God's provision of the Holy Spirit to establish believers' adoption as sons. The Spirit is dispatched from God to indwell believers, enabling their relationship with God.
Across these occurrences, the verb consistently conveys a strong sense of purpose, authority, and often, a divine initiative behind the sending.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἐξαποστέλλω is closely related to its base verb ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, `{{G649}}`), which also means "to send away" or "to dispatch." The added prefix ἐκ (ek) often implies a more definitive, outward, or urgent sending. While ἀποστέλλω can describe any sending with a commission, ἐξαποστέλλω often highlights the origin *from which* the sending occurs, or a more forceful expulsion.
Other related terms include:
* πέμπω (pempō, `{{G3992}}`): A more general verb meaning "to send," without necessarily implying a specific commission or authority as strongly as ἀποστέλλω or ἐξαποστέλλω.
* ἀπόστολος (apostolos, `{{G652}}`): "Apostle," literally "one who is sent." This noun is directly derived from ἀποστέλλω and signifies a person commissioned with authority, reinforcing the concept of purposeful sending.
The concepts associated with ἐξαποστέλλω include divine initiative, purposeful mission, authoritative commission, and the provision of agents (Son, Spirit, messengers) for the accomplishment of a task.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐξαποστέλλω is profound, particularly in its application to the Persons of the Godhead.
1. **Divine Initiative in Salvation:** The most pivotal uses of ἐξαποστέλλω describe God's sending of His Son ([[Galatians 4:4]]) and the Holy Spirit ([[Galatians 4:6]], [[Luke 24:49]]). This language underscores God's sovereign and active role in initiating and accomplishing salvation. It is not humanity reaching up to God, but God reaching down to humanity through His decisive and purposeful dispatch of the Son for redemption and the Spirit for indwelling and empowerment. This "sending forth" emphasizes the pre-existence of the Son and the Spirit, and their divine origin.
2. **The Mission of Christ:** God's "sending forth" of His Son highlights the incarnate Christ's role as the ultimate divine messenger and agent of salvation. He was sent with a specific mission: to be born under the Law, to redeem those under the Law, and to secure adoption as sons for believers.
3. **The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit:** The sending forth of the Spirit signifies God's ongoing presence and work in the lives of believers. The Spirit, sent by God, enables believers to experience their adopted sonship and to cry out to God as "Abba, Father," thereby transforming their relationship with the divine. This is a crucial aspect of the new covenant.
4. **Authoritative Commission:** Whether applied to the Son, the Spirit, or human messengers (like the apostles in [[Acts 13:4]] or the servants in [[Luke 20:10]]), ἐξαποστέλλω conveys the idea of an authoritative commission. Those who are "sent forth" carry the authority and purpose of the sender.
5. **Divine Providence and Judgment:** While primarily used for divine provision, the use in [[Luke 1:53]] also illustrates God's providential reversal of fortunes and, in the parable of the tenants, the consequences of rejecting those sent by God.
### Summary
ἐξαποστέλλω (exapostéllō, `{{G1821}}`) is a powerful Greek verb signifying a purposeful and often authoritative sending *out from* a source. While it can denote a definitive dismissal, its most significant biblical usage pertains to the divine initiative in salvation history. It profoundly describes God's decisive act of "sending forth" His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world for redemption, and subsequently "sending forth" the Holy Spirit into the hearts of believers for adoption and empowerment. This verb underscores God's sovereign plan, His active involvement in humanity's redemption, and the authoritative commission of those He dispatches. It highlights the divine origin and specific mission of the Son and the Spirit, central to Christian theology.
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