from ἐπί and στέλλω; to enjoin (by writing), i.e. (genitive case) to communicate by letter (for any purpose):--write (a letter, unto).
Transliteration:epistéllō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-stel'-lo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb epistéllō (`{{G1989}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition epí (upon, to, in addition) and the verb stéllō (`{{G4724}}`, to send, to set, to arrange). The core meaning thus conveys the idea of "sending a message upon" or "sending instructions to" someone, specifically through the medium of writing. Its semantic range extends from issuing a formal command or injunction by letter to simply communicating by written correspondence for any purpose. The nuance of "enjoining" suggests an element of authority or direction inherent in the communication, distinguishing it from a mere casual note. It implies a deliberate and purposeful act of written communication, often with a view to instructing, advising, or settling a matter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Epistéllō appears only three times in the New Testament, yet each instance is significant for understanding its function:
* **[[Acts 15:20]]**: "but that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood." Here, epistéllō describes the decision of the Jerusalem Council to send written instructions to the Gentile believers. This was a crucial communication, conveying authoritative apostolic guidance on matters of Christian conduct and unity between Jewish and Gentile converts. The written format ensured clarity, permanence, and wide dissemination of the council's decree.
* **[[Acts 21:25]]**: "As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication." This verse refers back to the same letter from the Jerusalem Council mentioned in [[Acts 15:20]]. It reiterates the authoritative nature of the prior written communication, confirming its binding conclusion for the Gentile churches. The use of epistéllō underscores the definitive and official character of the message.
* **[[Hebrews 13:22]]**: "And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words." In this instance, the author of Hebrews uses epistéllō to describe the very letter (epistle) that the readers are receiving. While the tone is one of earnest entreaty ("I beseech you"), the communication is still presented as a "word of exhortation," implying a purposeful and instructive message, even if concise. This usage highlights that epistéllō can describe the act of writing an entire biblical epistle, which serves to instruct, encourage, and guide the recipients in their faith.
In each context, the word signifies more than just the physical act of writing; it denotes the purposeful sending of an authoritative or significant written message.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the noun epistolē (`{{G1992}}`), which means "letter" or "epistle." This noun is derived directly from epistéllō and is the standard term for the written communications that comprise much of the New Testament. Other related concepts include:
* gráphō (`{{G1125}}`): The general verb "to write." While gráphō simply means to form letters, epistéllō specifies the act of writing a letter with a particular purpose, often of instruction or command.
* entéllomai (`{{G1781}}`): To command, to enjoin. This verb shares a semantic overlap with the "enjoin" aspect of epistéllō, particularly when the written communication carries an authoritative decree.
* didáskō (`{{G1321}}`): To teach. Written letters, especially epistles, served as primary means of teaching doctrine and Christian living in the early church.
* parakaléō (`{{G3870}}`): To exhort, to comfort, to appeal. As seen in [[Hebrews 13:22]], a letter written with epistéllō can embody exhortation.
The concept of written communication itself is central, as it allowed for the widespread dissemination and preservation of apostolic teaching and church decrees.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of epistéllō lies in its connection to the authoritative and enduring nature of the written Word.
1. **Apostolic Authority and Church Governance:** The use of epistéllō in Acts to describe the Jerusalem Council's letter underscores the role of written communication in establishing and communicating authoritative apostolic decisions. This laid a foundation for church governance and the resolution of theological and practical disputes, ensuring that directives were clear, consistent, and widely accessible.
2. **Preservation of Doctrine and Instruction:** The New Testament epistles, often described by the act of epistéllō (as in Hebrews), represent the inspired and authoritative instruction for the early church and for believers throughout history. The act of "writing a letter" in this context is not merely administrative but revelatory, conveying God's will and truth.
3. **Pastoral Care and Exhortation:** While bearing authority, the letters also served as vehicles for pastoral care, encouragement, and exhortation. The author of Hebrews, by using epistéllō to describe his "word of exhortation," demonstrates that written communication was a vital means for spiritual nourishment and guidance, reaching communities far removed from the apostles' physical presence.
4. **Foundation of Christian Tradition:** The practice of "sending letters" became a cornerstone of early Christian communication, leading to the collection and canonization of these very letters as foundational texts of Christian faith and practice. Thus, epistéllō points to the very process by which much of the New Testament was delivered to the church.
### Summary
Epistéllō (`{{G1989}}`) denotes the act of communicating by letter, specifically with a sense of purpose, instruction, or injunction. Though appearing infrequently in the New Testament, its occurrences in Acts highlight its role in conveying authoritative apostolic decrees from the Jerusalem Council, establishing precedents for church practice. Its use in Hebrews demonstrates that this verb also describes the writing of an entire biblical epistle, which serves as a "word of exhortation" and instruction for believers. Theologically, epistéllō underscores the importance of written communication for the establishment of early church authority, the preservation of sound doctrine, and the ongoing pastoral care and spiritual guidance of God's people. It points to the divine wisdom in providing a written revelation that could be accurately transmitted and perpetually consulted.
TRV