μεταπέμπω

I send for, summon

Definition

Metapempō means to send for someone, specifically to summon or call a person to come to you. In the New Testament, it consistently carries the sense of an official or deliberate summons, often by a person of authority. For example, in Acts 10:5, an angel instructs Cornelius to 'send for' Peter, initiating a pivotal event. In Acts 24:26, Felix frequently 'sent for' Paul, hoping for a bribe, showing the word's use in a judicial context. The action implies a purposeful request for someone's presence, not a casual invitation.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used exclusively in the book of Acts, appearing seven times. Its usage is almost entirely within narratives involving Roman officials or significant divine appointments. It describes the formal summoning of individuals, such as Peter by Cornelius (Acts 10:5, 22, 29; 11:13) and Paul by Governor Felix (Acts 24:24, 26) and by the Jewish leaders to Governor Festus (Acts 25:3). The pattern shows it is a word of authority and intentionality, moving key figures across social and ethnic boundaries to fulfill God's purposes.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition metá, meaning 'after' or 'with,' combined with the common verb pempō, meaning 'to send.' Thus, it literally means 'to send after' someone. This compound form intensifies the idea of sending with a specific goal in mind—to fetch or summon a person to the sender's location. It shares a root with other sending words like apostellō (G649, to send forth) but focuses on the return or retrieval aspect.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it marks divine orchestration in the book of Acts. God uses human authorities to 'send for' His messengers, advancing the gospel across ethnic lines. The summons of Peter to Cornelius's house (Acts 10) breaks Jewish-Gentile barriers, demonstrating that God actively calls people together for salvation and fellowship. Understanding this Greek term highlights God's sovereign direction in mission, using even secular commands to fulfill His redemptive plan.

In the Roman world, a summons (metapempō) carried legal and social weight, especially when issued by a centurion like Cornelius or a governor like Felix. It was not a request but an authoritative command that the summoned person was expected to obey. This context adds gravity to the biblical narratives, showing Peter and Paul responding to both divine calls and civil authority, navigating the intersection of faith and Roman power structures.

kaleō (G2564) — to call or invite, often more general or relational; proskaleō (G4341) — to call to oneself, summon, used for calling disciples or crowds; apostellō (G649) — to send away or send out, with a focus on commissioning with authority.

Word Details

Scripture References