στέλλω

I arrange, take care, withdraw from

Definition

The verb στέλλω primarily means 'to arrange' or 'to set in order.' In its middle voice form (στέλλομαι), it takes on the nuanced meanings of 'to take care for oneself,' 'to withdraw from,' or 'to avoid.' In 2 Corinthians 8:20, it is used in the middle voice with the sense of 'taking care' or 'arranging matters' to avoid any blame in the handling of a financial collection. In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, also in the middle voice, it carries the stronger sense of 'to withdraw from' or 'to avoid' someone who is living in idleness and disorder.

Biblical Usage

Στέλλω appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in its middle voice form (στέλλομαι). It is used in two distinct epistolary contexts dealing with community conduct. In 2 Corinthians 8:20, Paul uses it in the context of financial stewardship and accountability. In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, he employs it to give a command regarding church discipline, instructing believers to withdraw from those who are disruptive. The pattern shows its application in practical, ethical instructions for the early church.

Etymology

The word στέλλω is a primary verb in Greek meaning 'to set,' 'to place,' or 'to send.' It is related to words like στόλος (stolos, G4752) meaning 'an expedition' or 'fleet,' and ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, G649) meaning 'to send away.' The core idea involves preparation and dispatch, which in the middle voice developed into meanings of preparing for oneself, hence taking care or withdrawing.

Semantic Range

Though not a central theological term, στέλλω is significant for understanding New Testament ethics and ecclesiology. In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, it informs the practice of church discipline, highlighting the balance between community fellowship and the need to address persistent, unrepentant sin that disrupts the body. In 2 Corinthians 8:20, it underscores the biblical principle of proactive integrity and transparency, especially in financial matters, to protect the gospel's reputation.

In the Greco-Roman world, the middle voice often expressed action taken for one's own benefit or interest. The command in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 to 'withdraw' from the idle would have been understood as a social distancing, a common form of censure in both Jewish and Hellenistic communities to prompt repentance and preserve group order. It was not merely personal avoidance but a formal, communal act.

ἀπέχω (apechō, G568) — to hold oneself off, refrain; emphasizes distance or abstinence. φεύγω (pheugō, G5343) — to flee; a stronger, more urgent sense of avoidance. ἐκκλίνω (ekklinō, G1578) — to turn aside or deviate; focuses on swerving away from something.

Word Details

Scripture References