Brief Overview of ἀποστολή (G651: Apostolē)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apostolē

Root Words: The term ἀποστολή (apostolē) is derived from the verb ἀποστέλλω (apostéllō), which means “to send away” or “to send forth.” The root of the word is ἀπό (apó), meaning “from” or “away,” and στέλλω (stéllō), meaning “to send” or “to dispatch.”

Primary Meanings:

• A sending away or dispatching.
• A mission or envoy, especially in a religious context.
• An authoritative commission or task, often involving the transmission of a message or instruction.
• The act of sending someone with a specific purpose or message.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποστολή as “a sending forth” or “a mission,” particularly in a religious or official context. It denotes the act of being sent with a specific purpose, often involving an authoritative commission or the transmission of important messages. BDAG emphasizes its use in Christian contexts to refer to the mission of apostles or messengers.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποστολή as “a sending away” or “a commission.” It is used to refer to the act of sending someone with a purpose or message, particularly in a religious sense, such as the commission of apostles.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains that ἀποστολή means “a sending forth” or “a mission,” focusing on its use to describe the act of sending someone on a specific task or with a specific message, especially in the context of Christian missions and apostolic work.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀποστολή as “a sending out” or “a mission,” with a focus on its use to describe official missions or tasks. The term is often used in the context of authoritative assignments or commissions.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀποστολή as “a sending forth” or “a commission,” emphasizing its use in contexts where someone is sent with a specific purpose or message, particularly in religious or official capacities.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

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Xenophon (Hellenica, 4th century BCE): Xenophon uses ἀποστολή to describe missions or dispatches sent by leaders or officials, illustrating its application in military and political contexts.

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics, 4th century BCE): Aristotle references ἀποστολή in discussions of duties and responsibilities, showing its use in contexts where individuals are assigned specific tasks or missions.

Plato (Republic, 4th century BCE): Plato employs the term to describe official missions or assignments, highlighting its use in philosophical and political discourse about the roles and responsibilities of individuals.

4. Summary:

ἀποστολή (apostolē) means “a sending forth” or “a mission,” with a focus on the act of dispatching someone with a specific purpose or message. Classic Greek literature shows its use in various contexts, including military, political, and philosophical settings. In Christian contexts, it refers to the authoritative commission of apostles and messengers. Understanding ἀποστολή provides insight into how missions and commissions were perceived and utilized in ancient Greek society and religious practice.