ἐπιστέλλω (G1989) — Greek Lexicon

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ἐπιστέλλω

epistéllō

G1989 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To send a message or instruction, often by letter; to communicate in writing, particularly with the nuance of conveying commands, directives, or important information. The sense includes both simply sending written correspondence and the more specific act of issuing orders or instructions through writing.

Semantic Range

to send instructions, to send a message, to issue orders by writing, to communicate by letter, to give written directives, to correspond officially

Root / Etymology

From ἐπί (upon, on, over) and στέλλω (to send, dispatch, arrange). The verb forms a compound indicating the act of sending upon or toward, which in this context refers to sending a message, typically written, to someone.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐπιστέλλω is attested with general meanings of sending or ordering, not restricted to written forms but including giving instructions or commands. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods (including the Septuagint and New Testament), its usage narrows to denote sending instructions, commands, or information, frequently by written communication (a letter or directive). In some contexts, the term conveys a sense of official or authoritative command—more than simply 'writing a letter,' it can mean 'to issue an edict' or 'send written instructions.' English translations often simply render it 'to write (a letter),' but this can obscure the directive or official nature found in some contexts. The term relates to but is distinct from γράφω (to write), as γράφω primarily refers to the act of writing itself, while ἐπιστέλλω focuses on the act of sending written communication, especially official or instructive in character. Notably used in Acts 15:20, 15:29, 21:25, where the Jerusalem council 'sent instructions' to Gentile groups, emphasizing an official directive rather than informal correspondence. The noun ἐπιστολή (letter, epistle) is a related derivative, but note the nuance—the verb emphasizes the sending/instructing aspect, while ἐπιστολή simply identifies the communication as a letter.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπί and στέλλω; to enjoin (by writing), i.e. (genitive case) to communicate by letter (for any purpose):--write (a letter, unto).

Root Family

ἐπιστέλλω (epistellō) — to send, to dispatch, to communicate in writing, to issue written instructions

Root στελλ- to send, to arrange, to dispatch

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G1989-02`	ἐπιστεῖλαι	episteilai	`V AOR ACT INF`	to write	to send written instruction	to send written instruction	1
`G1989-01`	ἐπέστειλα	epesteila	`V AOR ACT IND 1P SG`	I have written	I sent written instructions	I have written	1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G1989-02`	Acts 15:20	ἐπιστεῖλαι	episteilai	`V AOR ACT INF`	to write	to send written instruction	to send written instruction
`G1989-01`	Hebrews 13:22	ἐπέστειλα	epesteila	`V AOR ACT IND 1P SG`	I have written	I sent written instructions	I have written

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