Brief Overview of προπέμπω (Strong’s G4311: propempō)

Strong’s G4311: A compound verb combining “pro” (forward) and “pempō” (to send), meaning to send forward, accompany, or help on one’s journey. In biblical context, it refers to the practice of providing hospitality and assistance to traveling Christians, especially missionaries and church workers.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προπέμπω embodies the concept of Christian hospitality and practical support for ministry workers. As a compound word, it combines forward movement with sending or escorting, reflecting both physical accompaniment and material provision. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of church support for traveling ministers (Acts 15:3, Titus 3:13). The early church understood this term as describing an important aspect of Christian fellowship and mutual support. Today, it continues to teach us about practical partnership in gospel ministry and the importance of supporting those who serve.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προπέμπω, propempō, pro-PEM-pō
• Pronunciation Guide: pro (as in “pro-fessional”) + PEM (as in “temp”) + pō (as in “poe”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “forward”
• πέμπω (pempō) – root verb meaning “to send”
• -ω (-ō) – verbal suffix indicating first person singular present active

D – Defining Meanings

• To send forward with supplies
• To accompany on a journey
• To assist in travel preparations

For compound words:
The prefix πρό (pro-) adds the directional aspect of “forward,” while πέμπω (pempō) provides the concept of sending or escorting.

Translation Options:

• “to send on one’s way” – emphasizes the supportive aspect
• “to accompany” – highlights the personal involvement
• “to help on one’s journey” – stresses the practical assistance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συμπέμπω (sympempō, sym-PEM-pō) – See G4842: emphasizes sending together
• ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, a-po-STEL-lō) – See G649: focuses on sending forth
• πέμπω (pempō, PEM-pō) – See G3992: basic form meaning “to send”

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προπέμπω exhibits:

• Tense: Aorist/Present
• Voice: Active/Passive
• Mood: Infinitive/Participle/Imperative
• Person: Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar/Linear

Examples of usage:

• Present: “I send forward”
• Aorist: “I sent forward”
• Imperative: “send forward!”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s connection to Christian hospitality. Thayer’s highlights both the escorting and provisioning aspects. LSJ notes its use in classical Greek for formal escorts. Vine’s connects it to Christian fellowship. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting purposeful assistance. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri examples showing travel support.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 15:3: “So, being sent on their way [προπεμφθέντες] by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.”

Additional References:
Acts 20:38
Romans 15:24
1 Corinthians 16:6
1 Corinthians 16:11
2 Corinthians 1:16
Titus 3:13
3 John 1:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προπέμπω beautifully captures the practical expression of Christian fellowship. This word proclaims the good news by showing how the early church supported gospel workers through tangible assistance and accompaniment. It reminds us that partnership in the gospel includes practical care and provision for those who serve.

D – Did You Know?

• Προπέμπω was a technical term for official escorts in ancient times
• The word appears most frequently in Paul’s writings about travel support
• Early church hospitality practices were modeled on this concept

Strong’s G4311: A compound verb meaning to send forward or help on one’s journey, specifically referring to the Christian practice of providing hospitality and support for traveling ministers. Emphasizes both physical accompaniment and material provision.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: hospitality, support, ministry, travel, fellowship, provision, acts, paul, missionary-support, church-practice, accompaniment, christian-service​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​