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Introduction
In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding the nuances of specific words is crucial for deeper insight into the scriptures. The Greek verb ἐκπέμπω (ekpempō) is one such word that holds significant importance in Biblical texts, particularly in contexts related to sending out or dispatching. This term not only illuminates the actions of individuals in the New Testament but also offers a glimpse into the cultural and social practices of the ancient Greek world. By exploring ἐκπέμπω, we can better appreciate its relevance to New Testament interpretation and its broader implications in ancient Greek culture.
Key Information
- ἐκπέμπω (ekpempō) [ek-PEMP-oh]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and the verb πέμπω (pempō), meaning “to send.” The compound form emphasizes the action of sending out or dispatching from a particular place.
- Part of Speech: Verb (active voice; various tenses depending on context).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To Send Out: The primary meaning of ἐκπέμπω is to send out, dispatch, or release someone or something from a place. It often refers to the action of sending messengers, letters, or people on a mission.
- To Dismiss: In some contexts, it can also mean to dismiss or send away, especially in formal or authoritative settings.
Similar Words:
- πέμπω (pempō) [PEMP-oh]: This verb means “to send,” but without the specific emphasis on sending out from a particular location or context that ἐκπέμπω carries.
- ἀποστέλλω (apostellō) [ah-po-STEL-loh]: Another related verb meaning “to send forth,” particularly with the connotation of sending with a commission or for a specific purpose, often used in the context of sending apostles or messengers.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: ἐκπέμπω is a compound verb that combines the preposition ἐκ (out of) with the verb πέμπω (to send). The preposition ἐκ intensifies the meaning, indicating the action of sending out or away from a specific place or situation. The verb is used in various tenses, often in the active voice, to describe the action of dispatching or sending.
- Linguistic Features: The verb’s compound structure emphasizes the directionality of the sending action, often implying that the subject is sending something or someone away with a specific purpose or mission in mind.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The BDAG lexicon describes ἐκπέμπω as “to send out” or “dispatch,” particularly in contexts where the sender has authority or where the sending involves a specific mission or purpose. The lexicon highlights its use in both mundane and formal contexts.
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Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon defines ἐκπέμπω as “to send forth” or “to send away,” with an emphasis on the act of dispatching someone or something from a specific place. Thayer’s notes that the term is used in contexts involving both literal and figurative sending.
Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that ἐκπέμπω involves the action of sending out, often in a way that suggests authority or a specific intention. The dictionary links this verb to other Greek terms related to sending or commissioning.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides classical references where ἐκπέμπω is used in literature to describe sending out messengers, dispatching soldiers, or releasing captives. It emphasizes the authoritative or deliberate nature of the action.
Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists ἐκπέμπω as “to send forth” or “to dispatch,” focusing on its New Testament usage, particularly in passages that deal with the sending of messengers or the dismissal of people.
Scripture References:
- Mark 12:3 – “And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away (ἐκπέμπω) empty.”
- Luke 20:11 – “And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away (ἐκπέμπω) empty.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “The king ἐκπέμπω (sent out) his warriors to battle.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “They ἐκπέμπω (dispatched) envoys to seek peace.” |
| Plato | Phaedrus | “Socrates ἐκπέμπω (dismissed) the idea as impractical.” |
Summary of ἐκπέμπω (G1599: ekpempō)
The Greek verb ἐκπέμπω (G1599) is a vital term in the New Testament, particularly in contexts involving the sending out or dispatching of individuals or messages. This verb, derived from πέμπω with the addition of the prefix ἐκ, emphasizes the action of sending forth from a specific place or context. It appears in passages where individuals are sent on missions, where messages are dispatched, or where people are formally dismissed. Understanding ἐκπέμπω enhances our comprehension of Biblical narratives that involve authority, mission, and the deliberate sending of individuals for specific purposes.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek culture, ἐκπέμπω was often used in military contexts to describe the sending out of troops or messengers. This word’s usage in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, reflects a similar sense of mission and purpose, often with a spiritual or divine mandate. The deliberate nature of this verb underscores the importance of the actions it describes, whether in ancient warfare or in the spread of the Gospel.
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