στέλλω (stellō)
stellō
to avoid
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb stello means to prepare, equip, or arrange things in order. In its active voice, it describes setting out equipment or organizing a task. However, in the New Testament, the word appears almost exclusively in the middle voice, shifting the focus from preparing objects to preparing oneself for a specific course of action.
This reflexive sense leads to meanings like withdrawing, holding aloof, or avoiding contact. The sources highlight this usage in 2 Corinthians 8:20 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6, where believers are urged to avoid familiar intercourse with those who live disorderly lives. Here, the word implies a deliberate distancing or separation rather than mere physical movement.
Its root suggests setting something in place, which explains how it evolved from arranging gear to arranging one’s own behavior. Translators often render this middle-voice sense as "avoid" or "keep away," capturing the intentional withdrawal from company that the original Greek text demands.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word stello carries a sense of deliberate preparation, often used for packing gear or arranging one’s life in order. In the New Testament, it shifts to describe a conscious choice to withdraw from situations that might compromise your witness or peace. This is not about hiding from the world, but about protecting the integrity of your faith through intentional boundaries.
When we choose to distance ourselves from patterns of behavior that lead away from Christ, we are not acting out of fear or pride. Instead, we are preparing our hearts to remain focused on what is true and good. This kind of separation allows us to serve others with clarity and without distraction, keeping our lives aligned with the teachings of Jesus.
By setting aside time and space from harmful influences, you create room for God’s peace to take root. This practice helps you stay grounded in your faith, ensuring that your actions reflect the love and truth of Christ in a way that honors Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- avoiding1×
- are to withdraw1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- στέλλεσθαι1×
- στελλόμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 8:20
We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.
Paul uses this word to show he is taking active steps to avoid any appearance of misconduct, ensuring his service to the church remains above reproach.
-
II Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion and not after the tradition which they received from us.
The command to withdraw from those living in rebellion highlights that avoiding harmful company is a necessary step for maintaining spiritual discipline and order within the community.