Brief Overview of συναποστέλλω (Strong’s G4882: synapostellō)

Strong’s G4882: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ἀποστέλλω (to send forth), meaning to send together with. In NT usage, it describes the practice of sending ministry companions together, emphasizing the collaborative nature of early Christian mission work.

U- Unveiling the Word

συναποστέλλω represents the important practice of collaborative mission in early Christianity. As a compound word, it combines togetherness with sending forth, creating a term that describes intentional partnership in ministry. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term to describe his practice of sending co-workers together on ministry tasks. The early church understood this term as reflecting apostolic wisdom in sending workers in pairs or teams. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of Christian ministry as inherently collaborative and the importance of partnership in mission work.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συναποστέλλω, synapostellō, /soon-ap-os-TEL-oh/
• Detailed Pronunciation: soon (as in ‘soon’) + ap (as in ‘up’) + os (as in ‘boss’) + TEL (as in ‘tell’) + oh (as in ‘go’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἀπό (apo): prefix meaning “from, away”
• στέλλω (stellō): root verb meaning “to send”

D – Defining Meanings

• To send together with
• To dispatch jointly
• To send in company with others
• To commission together
• To send forth as companions

For compound words:
σύν emphasizes joint action, while ἀποστέλλω contributes the concept of authoritative sending, creating a word that describes coordinated missionary deployment.

Translation Options:

1. “To send with” – Best captures the companionship aspect
2. “To send jointly” – Emphasizes the collaborative nature
3. “To dispatch together” – Highlights the official sending aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀποστέλλω (apostellō) /ap-os-TEL-oh/ – to send forth individually. See G649
• πέμπω (pempō) /PEM-poh/ – to send in a general sense. See G3992
• συμπέμπω (sympempō) /soom-PEM-poh/ – to send along with. See G4842

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Perfective (aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: συναποστέλλω (I send with)
• Aorist Active: συναπέστειλα (I sent with)
• Future Active: συναποστελῶ (I will send with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the official nature of joint sending. Thayer’s notes its use in missionary contexts. LSJ provides evidence of use in diplomatic missions. Vine’s connects it to apostolic practice. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of collaborative sending. LEH notes its use in describing authorized partnerships. Moulton and Milligan find evidence of its use in official delegations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

2 Corinthians 12:18: “I urged Titus, and sent [συναπέστειλα] our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συναποστέλλω beautifully illustrates the collaborative nature of Christian ministry. The good news of King Jesus spreads most effectively through partnerships and teams. This word reminds us that God’s design for ministry includes companionship and mutual support, reflecting both wisdom in mission strategy and the relational nature of the gospel itself.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears only once in the New Testament but reflects a common practice
2. It was used in diplomatic contexts for official joint missions
3. Early church missionaries typically followed this pattern of working in pairs

Strong’s G4882: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ἀποστέλλω (to send forth), meaning to send together with. In NT usage, it describes the practice of sending ministry companions together, emphasizing the collaborative nature of early Christian mission work.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: mission, sending, partnership, collaboration, ministry, teamwork, apostolic practice, Christian mission, joint ministry, delegation, missionary work, ministry teams​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​