Brief Overview of συμπέμπω (Strong’s G4842: sympempo)

Strong’s G4842: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and πέμπω (to send), meaning “to send together with.” Used in early church contexts to describe the practice of sending trusted representatives together on ministry missions, particularly for handling financial matters.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμπέμπω represents the intentional act of sending companions together on ministry missions. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-) with sending (πέμπω) to express the deliberate pairing of trusted representatives for important tasks. In the New Testament, Paul uses it specifically in the context of handling church offerings, demonstrating early church wisdom in establishing accountability through multiple witnesses. The early church adopted this practice as a model for responsible stewardship and ministry partnerships. Today, it continues to inform principles of accountability and partnership in ministry.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμπέμπω, sympempo, /soom-pem-po/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – PEM (stressed) – po
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: πέμπω (pempo) meaning “to send”
• Used in official contexts for dispatching representatives
• Base meaning: “to send together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To send together with
• To dispatch jointly
• To commission as companions

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint sending
The root πέμπω contributes the concept of dispatching
Together they express coordinated sending of representatives

Translation Options:

1. To send together – Most literal translation
2. To dispatch jointly – Emphasizes official nature
3. To commission as companions – Highlights partnership aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πέμπω (pempo) /pem-po/ – to send – See G3992
• ἀποστέλλω (apostello) /ap-os-tel-lo/ – to send forth – See G649
• συναποστέλλω (synapostello) /soon-ap-os-tel-lo/ – to send away with – See G4882

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example English morphing:
Present: send together
Future: will send together
Past: sent together
Participle: sending together

• Cross-references include the noun συμπομπή (joint sending) and πομπή (sending)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in official church business contexts. Thayer’s highlights the purpose of accountability in joint sending. LSJ notes its use in diplomatic contexts. Vine’s connects it to church administration practices. Strong’s emphasizes the togetherness aspect. Moulton and Milligan document its use in official correspondence regarding delegations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And we have [συμπέμπω] sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches 2 Corinthians 8:18

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 8:22

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμπέμπω beautifully illustrates the wisdom and integrity in Kingdom work. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus’s church operates with accountability and partnership, not lone rangers. This word reminds us that ministry is meant to be collaborative, with trusted companions working together to advance the gospel.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears in contexts involving the handling of church finances, showing early church emphasis on accountability.
2. The practice of sending multiple representatives reflects Jewish traditions of establishing truth through multiple witnesses.
3. Early church leaders used this principle to protect both the messengers and the message.

Strong’s G4842: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and πέμπω (to send), meaning “to send together with.” Used in early church contexts to describe the practice of sending trusted representatives together on ministry missions, particularly for handling financial matters.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: ministry-partnership, accountability, stewardship, church-administration, missions, representatives, delegation, trustworthiness, collaboration, joint-ministry, financial-integrity, leadership​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​