The Greek word anapémpō, represented by G375, means to send up or back. Derived from ἀνά and πέμπω, it carries the core idea of returning someone or sending them to a higher authority. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses, primarily in contexts of transferring a person from one authority to another.
The use of G375 is concentrated in the account of Jesus' trial and in Paul's letter to Philemon. In the Gospel of Luke, Pilate, upon discovering Jesus belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, sent G375 him to Herod Luke 23:7. After being mocked, Herod sent Jesus again to Pilate, an action highlighted in the text by the use of G375 twice in a single verse Luke 23:11. Pilate later confirms this exchange, stating, "I sent G375 you to him" Luke 23:15. In a more personal context, Paul uses the word to explain that he has sent again G375 the runaway servant Onesimus back to his master Philemon 1:12.
Several related words appear alongside G375, clarifying the circumstances of the person being sent:
- G1848 exouthenéō (set at nought): This word, meaning to despise or treat with contempt, describes how Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus before sending him back to Pilate Luke 23:11.
- G1702 empaízō (mock): Used in direct connection with G1848, this term for derision highlights the humiliation Jesus endured at Herod's court Luke 23:11.
- G4016 peribállō (array): This word for clothing or dressing someone is used when Herod's men arrayed Jesus in a gorgeous robe as part of their mockery before sending him away Luke 23:11.
- G4355 proslambánō (receive): In contrast to the trial narrative, Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus, whom he has sent back, indicating a desired outcome of welcome and reconciliation Philemon 1:12.
The theological weight of G375 is found in the context surrounding the action of sending.
- Jurisdiction and Authority: The word is used to signify a formal transfer of a case between legal authorities, as when Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, acknowledging a different jurisdiction Luke 23:7.
- Humiliation and Rejection: The act of being "sent again" from Herod to Pilate is not neutral; it is an action freighted with contempt, occurring only after Jesus was set at nought G1848 and mocked G1702.
- Restoration and Fellowship: In Philemon, the act of sending Onesimus back is transformed from a master-slave transaction into an appeal for loving fellowship, as Paul urges Philemon to receive G4355 him back not as a servant, but as a brother.
In summary, G375 denotes more than a simple act of sending. Its meaning is defined by the user's intent and the recipient's expected action. It can represent a formal transfer of authority between rulers, an expression of scorn and rejection, or a profound appeal for personal reconciliation. The word illustrates how the physical act of moving a person from one place to another can carry immense legal and relational significance.
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