4724. stelló

Lexical Summary

stelló: To send, to set in order, to arrange

Original Word: στέλλω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: stelló
Pronunciation: stel'-lo
Phonetic Spelling: (stel'-lo)
KJV: avoid, withdraw self
NASB: keep away, taking precaution
Word Origin: [probably strengthened from the base of G2476 (ἵστημι - standing)]

1. (properly) to set fast ("stall")
2. (figuratively) to repress
3. (reflexively) to abstain from associating with

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

avoid, withdraw self.

Probably strengthened from the base of histemi; properly, to set fast ("stall"), i.e. (figuratively) to repress (reflexively, abstain from associating with) -- avoid, withdraw self.

see GREEK histemi

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. verb
Definition
to arrange, prepare, gather up, hence to restrain
NASB Translation
keep away (1), taking precaution (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4724: στέλλω

στέλλω: (German stellen; (cf. Greek στήλη, στολή, etc.; Latinstlocus (locus); English stall, etc.; Curtius, § 218; Fick Part 1:246; Part 4:274)); from Homer down;

1. to set, place, set in order, arrange; to fit out, to prepare, equip; middle present στέλλομαι, to prepare oneself, to fit out for oneself; to fit out for one's own use: στελλόμενοι τοῦτο μή τίς etc. arranging, providing for, this etc. i. e. taking care (A. V. avoiding), that no one etc. 2 Corinthians 8:20 (cf. Winers Grammar, § 45, 6 a.; Buttmann, 292 (252)).

2. to bring together, contract, shorten: τά ἱστία, Homer, Odyssey 3, 11; 16, 353; also in middle Iliad 1, 433; to diminish, check, cause to cease; passive, to cease to exist: βουλομένῃ τήν λύπην τοῦ ἀνδρός σταλῆναι, Josephus, Antiquities 5, 8, 3; ὁ χειμών ἐσταλη, ibid. 9, 10, 2; middle to remove oneself withdraw oneself to depart, followed by ἀπό with the genitive of the person, to abstain from familiar contact with one, 2 Thessalonians 3:6. (Compare: ἀποστέλλω, ἐξαποστέλλω, συναποστέλλω, διαστέλλω, ἐπιστέλλω, καταστέλλω, σὑν᾿στέλλω, ὑποστέλλω.)

Topical Lexicon

Overview of the Concept

Strong’s Greek 4724 expresses deliberate caution. Whether it involves stepping back from a harmful influence or putting careful safeguards in place, the word portrays intentional distance for the sake of righteousness, order, or honor.

Occurrences in the New Testament

• 2 Thessalonians 3:6 calls believers “to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life and not according to the tradition you received from us.”
• 2 Corinthians 8:20 explains Paul’s financial precautions: “We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.”

First-Century Background

The term was familiar in nautical circles for the action of shortening sails to protect a vessel in rough seas. By extension, it was used for drawing back a garment or gathering resources. The idea naturally expanded to moral and relational boundaries—pulling in one’s “sails” to prevent damage.

Paul’s Apostolic Use

1. Personal integrity. Paul employed the verb in 2 Corinthians 8 to show that financial stewardship required visible safeguards. He arranged a delegation so that no one could charge him with mishandling the offering for Jerusalem.
2. Corporate purity. In 2 Thessalonians 3 he commanded a measured withdrawal from disorderly members. This was neither vindictive nor final; it was a restorative discipline designed to awaken repentance.

Theological Themes

• Holiness: Separation from persistent sin preserves the church’s witness (compare 1 Corinthians 5:11).
• Accountability: Leaders must institute safeguards that anticipate criticism, reflecting God’s own blameless character.
• Love’s Toughness: True fellowship sometimes requires distance that lovingly confronts rebellion while guarding the flock.

Ministry Principles

1. Establish transparent systems for handling money, mirroring Paul’s approach with the Macedonian and Achaian gifts.
2. Practice formative discipline promptly, before sin spreads (Galatians 6:1).
3. Communicate the purpose of any withdrawal: it is an appeal to repentance, not a severing of hope (2 Thessalonians 3:14–15).

Practical Application for Today

• Churches can “shorten the sails” by adopting clear financial policies, rotating signatories, and publishing regular reports.
• Small-group leaders should address consistent disorderly conduct early, pairing admonition with ongoing intercession.
• Individual believers may need to distance themselves from influences—media, partnerships, habits—that threaten devotion to Christ, just as a sailor reefs the canvas before a storm.

Summary

Strong’s 4724 summons believers to thoughtful restraint. Whether guarding church finances or preserving communal holiness, Scripture commends proactive steps that keep both ministry and relationships above reproach, thereby magnifying the purity and wisdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

στελλεσθαι στελλέσθαι στέλλεσθαι στελλομενοι στελλόμενοι stellesthai stéllesthai stellomenoi stellómenoi

Englishman's Concordance

2 Corinthians 8:20 V-PPM-NMP
GRK: στελλόμενοι τοῦτο μή
NAS: taking precaution so that no one
KJV: Avoiding this, that no
INT: avoiding this lest

2 Thessalonians 3:6 V-PNM
GRK: Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ στέλλεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ
NAS: Christ, that you keep away from every
KJV: Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves
INT: Jesus Christ [that] withdraw you from

Strong's Greek 4724
2 Occurrences

στέλλεσθαι — 1 Occ.
στελλόμενοι — 1 Occ.