ἐκπέμπω (ekpempō)
ekpempō
to send away/out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekpempō means to send someone away or dispatch them on a journey. It is formed from the prefix ek, meaning "out," and pempō, meaning "to send." This combination emphasizes the act of sending forth into a new space or situation, rather than just initiating movement.
In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both in the book of Acts. In Acts 13:4, it describes the church at Antioch sending Paul and Barnabas out for their missionary work. Later, in Acts 17:10, the believers send Paul and Silas away from Philippi to Berea for their safety. These instances highlight its use for official or urgent dispatches.
While similar to other words for sending, ekpempō carries a sense of finality and purpose. It is not merely about movement but about being sent out with a specific mission or destination. This nuance helps explain why it is used in contexts where believers are dispatched to continue the work of the gospel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekpempō describes a sending that is decisive and purposeful. It does not suggest a casual departure but an official dispatch with a clear destination. In Acts, we see this used when the Holy Spirit directs the church to send Paul and Barnabas out on their first missionary journey. This shows that mission often begins with obedience to divine direction rather than human planning.
Another instance occurs when believers quickly send Paul and Silas away from Philippi to Berea for their safety. Here, the sending is driven by urgency and care. It reminds us that God’s work may require swift action or a change of plans. We are not alone in these movements; the community supports and facilitates the sending.
For your faith, this word offers comfort. Whether you feel called to a new role or need protection in difficult times, you can trust that God orchestrates these transitions. He sends us out with purpose, and He provides the strength for the journey ahead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sent away1×
- having been sent forth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξέπεμψαν1×
- ἐκπεμφθέντες1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 13:4
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
This verse highlights the Holy Spirit's direct role in initiating the missionary sending, showing that mission is a divine commission.
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Acts 17:10
The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.
Here the word emphasizes urgent protection and strategic relocation, demonstrating God's care for His servants in dangerous situations.