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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding specific Greek terms enhances our comprehension of key scriptural narratives and theological concepts. The Greek verb μεταπέμπω (metapempō) first appears in Acts 10:5, where Cornelius is instructed in a vision to “send” for Peter. This word conveys the action of sending for or summoning someone, often with an element of authority or urgency. The term is significant for New Testament interpretation, particularly in the context of divine instruction and mission, and also holds relevance in the broader context of ancient Greek culture, where summoning individuals for personal, political, or legal reasons was common.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μεταπέμπω (metapempō, pronunciation: meh-tah-PEMP-oh)

Etymology: μεταπέμπω is a compound word derived from “μετα-” (meta-), meaning “after” or “beyond,” and “πέμπω” (pempō), meaning “to send.” The combination implies sending for someone or summoning them after an event or upon the occurrence of something specific.

Part of Speech: μεταπέμπω is a verb. It describes an action of sending for or summoning someone, often with the intention of having them brought to the person who initiates the request.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To summon or send for someone. This is the primary meaning of μεταπέμπω, as seen in Acts 10:5, where Cornelius is instructed to send for Peter. The word implies an authoritative request for someone’s presence.

Meaning 2: To request someone’s presence for a purpose. This meaning emphasizes the reason behind the summoning, whether for consultation, aid, or other intentions.

Meaning 3: To call or fetch. μεταπέμπω can also convey the idea of calling someone from a distance, emphasizing the action of fetching someone who is far away.

Exploring Similar Words

πέμπω (pempō, pronounced PEMP-oh): The root of μεταπέμπω, meaning “to send.” While πέμπω refers generally to sending someone or something, μεταπέμπω specifies the act of summoning someone to the sender’s location.

καλέω (kaleō, pronounced kah-LEH-oh): This word means “to call” or “to invite.” It differs from μεταπέμπω in that καλέω often focuses on the act of calling or inviting someone, whereas μεταπέμπω emphasizes sending for or summoning someone with more urgency or authority.

ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, pronounced ah-poh-STEL-loh): Meaning “to send away” or “to send forth,” this word is similar to μεταπέμπω but tends to imply a mission or sending someone out for a purpose, whereas μεταπέμπω involves summoning someone to the sender.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: μεταπέμπω appears in various tenses and moods throughout the New Testament. In Acts 10:5, it is used in the aorist imperative form, indicating a command to perform the action once. The verb can also appear in the present tense, suggesting ongoing or habitual sending, or in the future tense, indicating an intention to send. It is conjugated in both the active and middle voices, depending on the context.

Person and Number: μεταπέμπω can be conjugated in different persons and numbers, with forms such as 1st person singular μεταπέμπω (“I send for”) and 2nd person singular μεταπέμπεις (“you send for”).

Aspect: Greek verbs often reflect different aspects. In the aorist aspect, μεταπέμπω conveys a simple, completed action of sending for someone. In the imperfective aspect, it reflects ongoing or repeated action.

Conjugation Table: Present Indicative Active

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word μεταπέμπω, while simple in its core meaning of summoning or sending for someone, carries significant theological weight in the New Testament. It often conveys the idea of divine instruction or mission, as in Acts 10:5, where Cornelius is divinely guided to send for Peter, leading to a pivotal moment in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. In classical Greek literature, the word is used in more everyday contexts, such as summoning messengers, soldiers, or advisors. However, in New Testament usage, μεταπέμπω takes on added layers of meaning as it frequently accompanies moments of divine intervention or important missionary events.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Acts 10:5: “Now send [μεταπέμπω] men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.”
• Acts 10:22: “And they said, ‘Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon [μεταπέμπω] you to his house, and to hear words from you.'”
• Acts 11:13: “And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send [μεταπέμπω] men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter.'”
• Acts 20:1: “After the uproar had ceased, Paul called [μεταπέμπω] the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb μεταπέμπω, meaning “to summon” or “send for,” appears frequently in contexts where someone is called to a particular location, often at the request of an authority figure. In the New Testament, μεταπέμπω is used during significant events, such as Cornelius being directed to send for Peter in Acts 10, marking the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles. This word carries connotations of both human and divine authority, as God orchestrates events by instructing individuals to summon others for specific purposes. In classical Greek usage, μεταπέμπω appears in more ordinary contexts, such as military or political summoning, but its usage in the Bible elevates its significance, often signaling divine intervention or the fulfillment of God’s plan. Whether in political, personal, or spiritual settings, μεταπέμπω reflects the importance of relational connections, communication, and mission, making it a key term for understanding the spread of early Christianity.

Did You Know?

In classical Greek literature, μεταπέμπω was often used in political or military contexts, such as summoning generals or advisors, demonstrating the word’s strong association with authority and decision-making.

μεταπέμπω is closely related to the more common verb πέμπω, but the prefix “μετα-” adds a sense of urgency or importance, often involving someone being sent for in response to a significant event or need.

The usage of μεταπέμπω in Acts 10 represents a pivotal moment in Christian history, as Cornelius’ summoning of Peter marks the first recorded instance of the Gospel being preached directly to Gentiles.