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G4724 (στέλλω)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4724
Original Word: στέλλω
Transliteration: stéllō
Pronunciation: stel'-lo
Part of Speech: verb
Category: Unique Words
Root / Etymology: probably strengthened from the base of G2476 (ἵστημι);
Frequency: 2×
Gematria: 1365

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 properly, to set fast ("stall"), i.e. (figuratively) to repress (reflexively, abstain from associating with)

avoidwithdraw self

probably strengthened from the base of G2476 (ἵστημι);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4724: A verb meaning "to arrange, prepare, withdraw from," with emphasis on careful arrangement or avoidance. In New Testament usage, it particularly appears in contexts of prudent conduct and avoiding inappropriate associations, especially in matters of ministry stewardship.

U- Unveiling the Word

στέλλω represents careful, intentional action, particularly in avoiding compromising situations or maintaining proper conduct. In the New Testament, Paul uses it specifically regarding financial accountability and proper distancing from questionable situations. The word suggests not mere avoidance but strategic withdrawal for the sake of integrity. Early church fathers employed this term when discussing pastoral wisdom and church discipline. Today, it continues to teach principles of wise stewardship and maintaining irreproachable conduct in ministry.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: στέλλω, stellō, STEL-lo
Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stand) + el (as in elk) + lo (as in low)
Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

Primary verb possibly related to ἵστημι (to stand)
No prefixes or suffixes in base form
Indicates ordered arrangement or movement

D - Defining Meanings

To arrange
To withdraw from
To avoid
To prepare
To send

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple verb

Translation Options:

"To withdraw" - emphasizes separation aspect
"To arrange" - highlights organizational meaning
"To avoid" - stresses preventive action

E - Exploring Similar Words

ἀποστέλλω (apostellō) [ap-os-TEL-lo] - to send forth - See G649
ὑποστέλλω (hypostellō) [hoo-pos-TEL-lo] - to draw back - See G5288
φεύγω (pheugō) [FYOO-go] - to flee - See G5343

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

For this verb:

Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Participle
Person: First, Second, Third
Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

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Present active: στέλλω (I arrange/avoid)
Aorist middle: ἐστειλάμην (I withdrew myself)
Perfect passive: ἔσταλμαι (I have been arranged)

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in careful withdrawal. Thayer's notes both arrangement and avoidance aspects. LSJ documents nautical origins. Vine's highlights its use in ethical contexts. Strong's connects it to proper ordering. LEH traces Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show business document usage.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 8:20: "avoiding [στέλλω] this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us."

Additional References:
2 Thessalonians 3:6

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Odyssey	"They arranged [στέλλω] the ships for departure."
Herodotus: Histories	"The general prepared [στέλλω] his forces for battle."
Sophocles: Ajax	"He withdrew [στέλλω] from the company of others."

N - Noteworthy Summary

στέλλω reminds us of the importance of maintaining integrity in ministry. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah's servants are called to wise and prudent conduct. This word challenges us to exercise careful discernment in our associations and to maintain irreproachable stewardship of God's resources.

D - Did You Know?

The word was commonly used in maritime contexts for preparing ships
Early church financial documents often used it regarding fund management
It appears in ancient diplomatic correspondence about avoiding conflicts

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: withdrawal, arrangement, avoidance, stewardship, integrity, ministry-conduct, financial-accountability, prudence, wisdom, church-discipline, separation, preparation, ethical-conduct, pastoral-wisdom, Christian-leadership

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