ἐπιστέλλω (epistellō)
epistellō
to write to
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epistellō means to send a message by letter, or simply to write to someone. It combines the prefix ep- ("to") with stellō ("to send"), capturing the act of dispatching written instructions or news. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, always in the context of official correspondence.
Its usage highlights a specific kind of communication: authoritative instruction sent from one party to another. For instance, in Acts 15:20, the Jerusalem council decides to epistellō Gentile believers with certain ethical guidelines, showing it is used for formal directives rather than casual notes. Similarly, Acts 21:25 records Paul writing to churches about matters decided by the apostles.
Hebrews 13:22 uses the related noun form (epistolē) to describe Paul’s letter itself as "brief," yet he assures his readers that he has written many things to them. This word underscores the weight of written authority in early Christian communities, where letters served as the primary means for apostles to guide distant congregations with clear, sent instructions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that the early leaders wrote to believers, we see a tangible care for those they could not visit in person. The word used here implies sending an authoritative message to guide and protect a community. It reminds us that God’s people have always needed clear direction, especially when facing difficult cultural pressures.
This practice shows that faith is not just a private feeling but a shared life guided by truth. Whether receiving news from an apostle or reading Scripture today, we are part of a long chain of communication designed to keep us steady. The written word served as a bridge across distances, ensuring that love and doctrine remained intact.
Even now, the clarity of God’s instructions offers comfort. We do not wander in confusion because the message has been sent and received. This assurance allows us to stand firm in our convictions, knowing we are connected to the broader body of Christ through these enduring truths.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wrote to1×
- to write1×
- I have written1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπέστειλα1×
- ἐπιστεῖλαι1×
- ἐπεστείλαμεν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 15:20
but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.
This verse shows the word used for sending specific ethical guidelines to Gentile believers, highlighting its role in establishing communal standards.
-
Acts 21:25
But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality.”
Here Paul references a previous letter that codified apostolic decisions, demonstrating how written correspondence settled doctrinal questions for distant churches.
-
Hebrews 13:22
But I exhort you, brothers, endure the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
The author describes his current letter as brief, using the related noun form to emphasize that the essential message was concise yet complete.