στέλλω
stéllō
G4724 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To arrange, set in order, or prepare; in later and often specifically New Testament usage, to withdraw oneself, keep away, abstain or avoid (often in a deliberate, self-imposed manner). The primary sense involves arranging or setting something with intent, which extends to actions such as taking precautions, preparing for a journey, or purposely distancing oneself from someone or something, especially in moral or communal contexts.
Semantic Range
to arrange, to equip, to prepare; to withdraw oneself, to abstain, to avoid, to refrain, to keep away (reflexive usage)
Root / Etymology
From the Greek root στέλλω, related to arrangement or preparation. Likely cognate with Greek στάλλω ('to send, bring, set, let fall'), and possibly related to ἵστημι ('to stand'), but the base meaning centers on arranging, setting, or preparing. The connection to 'to stand' is based on traditional etymology but may reflect secondary development.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, στέλλω primarily meant 'to prepare,' 'equip,' or 'arrange,' often used of outfitting ships, arming for military tasks, or preparing for a journey. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term broadened but also gained a distinct reflexive sense, especially in administrative and communal contexts: withdrawing, abstaining, or keeping away for personal or communal reasons. This reflexive use is attested in the New Testament (notably 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 8:20), where it signifies deliberate avoidance of behaviors or people deemed inappropriate or problematic within the community. English translations as 'avoid' or 'withdraw oneself' capture important aspects but may miss the intentional, preparatory nuance underlying the verb. The verb is related but not synonymous with χωρίζω ('to separate') or ἀφίστημι ('to depart, remove'). Septuagint usage is less frequent but often aligns with the classical sense of 'prepare.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably strengthened from the base of ἵστημι; properly, to set fast ("stall"), i.e. (figuratively) to repress (reflexively, abstain from associating with):--avoid, withdraw self.
Root Family
στέλλω (stellō) — to arrange, to prepare, to set in order; to withdraw, to abstain, to keep away
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4724-01 |
στέλλεσθαι | stellesthai | V PRS MID INF |
to keep away | to withdraw oneself | to withdraw oneself | 1 |
G4724-02 |
στελλόμενοι | stellomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
taking precaution | those withdrawing themselves | those withdrawing themselves | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4724-02 |
2 Corinthians 8:20 | στελλόμενοι | stellomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
taking precaution | those withdrawing themselves | those withdrawing themselves |
G4724-01 |
2 Thessalonians 3:6 | στέλλεσθαι | stellesthai | V PRS MID INF |
to keep away | to withdraw oneself | to withdraw oneself |