Brief Overview of στέλλω (Strong’s G4724: stellō)

Strong’s G4724: A verb meaning “to arrange, prepare, withdraw from,” with emphasis on careful arrangement or avoidance. In New Testament usage, it particularly appears in contexts of prudent conduct and avoiding inappropriate associations, especially in matters of ministry stewardship.

U- Unveiling the Word

στέλλω represents careful, intentional action, particularly in avoiding compromising situations or maintaining proper conduct. In the New Testament, Paul uses it specifically regarding financial accountability and proper distancing from questionable situations. The word suggests not mere avoidance but strategic withdrawal for the sake of integrity. Early church fathers employed this term when discussing pastoral wisdom and church discipline. Today, it continues to teach principles of wise stewardship and maintaining irreproachable conduct in ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στέλλω, stellō, STEL-lo
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stand) + el (as in elk) + lo (as in low)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary verb possibly related to ἵστημι (to stand)
• No prefixes or suffixes in base form
• Indicates ordered arrangement or movement

D – Defining Meanings

• To arrange
• To withdraw from
• To avoid
• To prepare
• To send

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple verb

Translation Options:

• “To withdraw” – emphasizes separation aspect
• “To arrange” – highlights organizational meaning
• “To avoid” – stresses preventive action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀποστέλλω (apostellō) [ap-os-TEL-lo] – to send forth – See G649
• ὑποστέλλω (hypostellō) [hoo-pos-TEL-lo] – to draw back – See G5288
• φεύγω (pheugō) [FYOO-go] – to flee – See G5343

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present active: στέλλω (I arrange/avoid)
• Aorist middle: ἐστειλάμην (I withdrew myself)
• Perfect passive: ἔσταλμαι (I have been arranged)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in careful withdrawal. Thayer’s notes both arrangement and avoidance aspects. LSJ documents nautical origins. Vine’s highlights its use in ethical contexts. Strong’s connects it to proper ordering. LEH traces Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show business document usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 8:20: “avoiding [στέλλω] this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us.”

Additional References:
2 Thessalonians 3:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στέλλω reminds us of the importance of maintaining integrity in ministry. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah’s servants are called to wise and prudent conduct. This word challenges us to exercise careful discernment in our associations and to maintain irreproachable stewardship of God’s resources.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was commonly used in maritime contexts for preparing ships
• Early church financial documents often used it regarding fund management
• It appears in ancient diplomatic correspondence about avoiding conflicts

Strong’s G4724: A verb meaning “to arrange, prepare, withdraw from,” with emphasis on careful arrangement or avoidance. In New Testament usage, it particularly appears in contexts of prudent conduct and avoiding inappropriate associations, especially in matters of ministry stewardship.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: withdrawal, arrangement, avoidance, stewardship, integrity, ministry-conduct, financial-accountability, prudence, wisdom, church-discipline, separation, preparation, ethical-conduct, pastoral-wisdom, Christian-leadership​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​