πέμπω (pempō)
pempō
to send
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 78 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pempō means to send someone or something from a starting point to a destination, with an emphasis on the sender’s action rather than the arrival. In the New Testament, it appears in 78 verses, particularly in John, Luke, and Acts, where it describes sending messengers, disciples, and even divine agents. Unlike apostellō, which often implies official commissioning or authority, pempō focuses on the act of dispatching itself, whether for a temporary errand or a specific purpose.
Its usage ranges from practical instructions to theological statements. For example, in Luke 7:19, John the Baptist’s disciples are sent to Jesus with a question, highlighting a moment of human inquiry. In John 16:7, Jesus speaks of sending the Holy Spirit, underscoring a divine initiative rooted in the Father’s will. The word also appears in Revelation 14:15, where an angel is commanded to thrust in a sickle, blending physical action with symbolic judgment.
Etymologically, pempō is considered a primary verb, suggesting its foundational role in expressing movement and direction. Its flexibility allows it to convey both mundane tasks and profound spiritual realities, making it a versatile tool for biblical authors. Translators typically render it as "send," though context often clarifies whether the focus is on the sender’s authority or the recipient’s mission.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek verb pempō captures the simple, direct act of sending someone from one place to another. In the New Testament, this word often highlights the authority and intention of the sender rather than the journey of the messenger. When Jesus speaks of being sent by the Father, he is not just describing a trip; he is revealing his identity and mission. He came to do the will of Him who dispatched him, showing that our purpose is found in alignment with God’s plan.
This word reminds us that we are never acting on our own initiative. Just as John the Baptist’s disciples were sent to ask Jesus a question, or as the Father sent His Son to draw people to Himself, every step we take is part of a larger divine narrative. It offers comfort to know that our lives are directed by a loving Sender who has a specific purpose for us, guiding us through both ordinary moments and profound spiritual realities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 78 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having sent33×
- to send8×
- do send5×
- I sent4×
- will send3×
- I will send3×
- I have sent3×
- sent2×
- do put forth2×
- you sent.1×
- you may send1×
- we sent1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πέμψας15×
- ἔπεμψα9×
- πέμψον7×
- πέμψαντός7×
- πέμψαι7×
- πέμψαντά6×
- πέμψω5×
- ἔπεμψεν3×
- πέμψαντος2×
- ἐπέμψατε.1×
- ἐπέμψαμεν1×
- ἐπέμφθη1×
Key Verses
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John 4:34
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.
Jesus defines his primary sustenance as doing the will of the Father who sent him, showing that obedience is central to his mission.
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John 6:38
For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.
This verse clarifies that Jesus’ descent from heaven was not for his own desires but strictly to fulfill the will of the Sender.
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Luke 7:19
John, calling to himself two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?”
John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus, illustrating how this word is used for practical human inquiry and seeking confirmation.
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John 6:44
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up in the last day.
Here the sending is linked to divine initiative, stating that no one can come to Jesus unless the Father who sent him draws them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pempō mean in the Bible?
How is pempō different from apostellō?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (78 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 4 verses
He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me…
Matthew 11:2Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples
Matthew 14:10and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.
Matthew 22:7When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.