Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-PEM-pō

Basic Definition

Strong’s G375: ἀναπέμπω (anapempō) combines the preposition ἀνά (up, again) with πέμπω (to send), literally meaning “to send up” or “to send back.” In judicial contexts, it specifically refers to referring or remitting a case to a higher authority. This compound word carries connotations of both physical movement upward and the acknowledgment of superior authority.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (compound)
• Root words: ἀνά (up, again) + πέμπω (to send)
• Primary usage in narrative passages
• Frequently used in administrative and legal contexts
• Common in Hellenistic diplomatic language

ἀναπέμπω Morphology:

• ἀναπέμπω (present active indicative) – I send up/back
• ἀνέπεμψα (aorist active indicative) – I sent up/back
• ἀναπέμψας (aorist active participle) – having sent up/back
• ἀναπεμφθείς (aorist passive participle) – having been sent up/back
• ἀναπέμπειν (present active infinitive) – to send up/back

Origin & History

The term ἀναπέμπω emerged in classical Greek literature as an administrative and legal term. Thucydides employed it in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” when describing the practice of referring matters to higher authorities. In the Ptolemaic period, papyri demonstrate its frequent use in official correspondence, particularly in the context of referring legal cases to higher courts or authorities.

In the Septuagint, though less frequent, ἀναπέμπω appears in contexts involving formal communications with authority figures. The Jewish historian Josephus uses it repeatedly in his works “Antiquities” and “Jewish War” when describing official administrative actions, especially in relation to Roman governance systems.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To send up or back to a higher authority
• To refer or remit a legal case
• To return someone or something to their origin
• To forward official correspondence upward in hierarchy

ἀναπέμπω Translation Options:

• “to refer up” – Best captures the legal/administrative sense
• “to send back” – Appropriate when emphasizing return to origin
• “to remit” – Precise for legal contexts
• “to forward” – Suitable for general administrative contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναπέμπω appears most prominently in Luke 23:7, where Pilate “sent Him up” to Herod, recognizing jurisdictional authority. This usage perfectly exemplifies both the physical and authoritative aspects of the word – Yeshua was physically sent to a higher authority, but also His case was being officially referred to Herod’s jurisdiction.

The word appears again in significant legal contexts during Paul’s trials, particularly in Acts 25:21 where Festus describes Paul’s appeal to Caesar. This usage highlights the formal, legal nature of the term within the Roman judicial system.

Cross References:

• “When he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him up [ἀναπέμπω] to Herod.” Luke 23:7
• “But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I could send him [ἀναπέμπω] to Caesar.” Acts 25:21
• “After examining him, I found no basis for your charges against him. Therefore I am sending him back [ἀναπέμπω] to you.” Luke 23:15
• “I am sending him back [ἀναπέμπω] to you.” Philemon 1:12

Cultural Insights

In the Roman judicial system, the practice of ἀναπέμπω was a formal legal procedure known as “remissio.” This process allowed lower officials to refer cases to higher authorities when they either lacked jurisdiction or faced particularly complex situations. This system was especially important in provincial administration, where local officials needed to balance Roman authority with local jurisdictions.

The use of ἀναπέμπω in Yeshua’s trial reveals the complex interplay of Roman and Jewish authority in first-century Judea. Pilate’s decision to send Yeshua to Herod wasn’t merely a political maneuver but followed established legal protocols regarding jurisdiction and authority.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναπέμπω in Yeshua’s trial narratives profoundly illustrates divine sovereignty working through human legal systems. While Pilate and Herod exercised their authority through formal legal procedures, they unknowingly participated in fulfilling God’s redemptive plan. This demonstrates how יהוה (Yahweh) works through established human institutions to accomplish His purposes.

The word’s appearance in both Yeshua’s trial and Paul’s appeal to Caesar highlights how God used the Roman legal system to advance His kingdom purposes. What appeared to be mere legal procedures became divine appointments for testimony and the spread of the Gospel.

In Philemon, Paul’s use of ἀναπέμπω takes on additional theological significance as it pictures restoration and reconciliation, paralleling how believers are “sent back” to God through the Messiah’s redemptive work.

Personal Application

When we encounter situations where we’re “sent up” to higher authorities – whether in legal, professional, or personal contexts – we can remember that God often uses these moments as divine appointments. Just as He worked through the formal procedures of Yeshua’s trial and Paul’s appeal, He can work through the hierarchies and procedures we face today.

Moreover, the concept of being “sent back” in restoration, as seen in Philemon, reminds us that God’s authority always operates in the context of His love and redemptive purposes. When we submit to proper authority, we participate in God’s ordered system of governance, which He can use for His glory and our growth.

Related Words

• στέλλω (stellō) – to send, withdraw – A simpler form of sending without the specific upward or authoritative connotation See G4724
• πέμπω (pempō) – to send – The root word focusing on the basic act of sending See G3992
• ἀποστέλλω (apostellō) – to send forth with a commission – Emphasizes the commissioning aspect of sending See G649
• παραπέμπω (parapempō) – to send along – Focuses on accompanying or escorting See G3992

Did you Know?

• The term ἀναπέμπω was so technically specific in Roman legal procedures that it appeared in official court documents throughout the empire, showing how Luke’s use of the term demonstrates his careful attention to legal accuracy.
• In modern Greek, ἀναπέμπω evolved to primarily mean “to emit” or “to send forth,” particularly in reference to sending up prayers or praise, showing how language can shift from administrative to spiritual contexts.
• The compound structure of ἀναπέμπω (ἀνά + πέμπω) follows a common pattern in Koine Greek where the addition of a preposition creates a more specific technical term from a general word, similar to how English adds prefixes to modify meaning.

Remember This

ἀναπέμπω reminds us that even in the most formal and bureaucratic systems, God’s sovereign hand guides every referral and decision toward His perfect purposes.