The term "sent" in the Bible often signifies the act of being dispatched or commissioned by God or a higher authority for a specific purpose or mission. This concept is pivotal in understanding the roles of prophets, apostles, and even Jesus Christ Himself within the biblical narrative.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "sent" is שָׁלַח (shalach). This term is used in various contexts, including the sending of individuals on missions or tasks. For example, God sent Moses to Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt (Exodus 3:10). Here, the act of sending is not merely a physical dispatch but a divine commissioning with authority and purpose.

The prophets were also sent by God to deliver His messages to the people of Israel. Isaiah, for instance, was sent to call the nation to repentance and to foretell the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 6:8-9). The sending of prophets underscores God's active involvement in guiding and correcting His people.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the Greek word ἀποστέλλω (apostellō) is frequently used, which is the root for the term "apostle," meaning "one who is sent." Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of one who is sent by God. In John 3:17, it is stated, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him" . This highlights the salvific purpose behind Christ's mission.

The apostles, as the foundational leaders of the early Church, were sent by Jesus to spread the Gospel and establish Christian communities. In John 20:21, Jesus says to His disciples, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you" . This commissioning reflects the continuation of God's mission through His chosen representatives.

Theological Significance

The concept of being sent carries significant theological weight. It implies authority, purpose, and responsibility. Those who are sent by God are endowed with His authority to carry out His will. This is evident in the Great Commission, where Jesus sends His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), entrusting them with the task of spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Moreover, the act of sending is often associated with the fulfillment of God's promises and the advancement of His kingdom. The sending of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith, as it represents the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the inauguration of the New Covenant.

Practical Implications

For believers, understanding the concept of being sent can inspire a sense of mission and purpose in their own lives. Christians are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him in their daily interactions and sharing the message of salvation with others. The notion of being sent encourages believers to live with intentionality, recognizing that they are part of God's redemptive plan for the world.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Send.

2. (v. & n.) See Scent.

3. (v.) obs. 3d pers. sing. pres. of Send, for sendeth.

4. (v.) imp. & p. p. of Send.

SENT

(shalach; apostello): "Sent" in the Old Testament is the translation of shalach, "to send" (of presents, messengers, etc., Genesis 32:18; Genesis 44:3 Judges 6:14 1 Kings 14:6; Esther 3:13 Proverbs 17:11 Jeremiah 49:14 Ezekiel 3:5; Ezekiel 23:40 Daniel 10:11; Obadiah 1:1); of shelach, Aramaic (Ezra 7:14 Daniel 5:24); of shilluchim, "sending" (Exodus 18:2); in the New Testament of apostello, "to send off" or "away," "to send forth" (John 9:7, "the pool of Siloam (which is by interpretation, Sent)"); compare Luke 13:4 Nehemiah 3:15, the pool of Siloah, the Revised Version (British and American) "Shelah"; Isaiah 8:6, "the waters of Shiloah that go softly," where Septuagint has Siloam for Hebrew shiloach, "a sending," which, rather than "Sent," is the original meaning-a sending forth of waters. See SILOAM. "Sent" is also the translation of apostolos, "one sent forth" (the original of the familiar word "apostle"); in John 13:16, "one that is sent" (margin, "Greek `an apostle' "); compare Hebrews 1:14.

W. L. Walker

652. apostolos -- a messenger, one sent on a mission, an apostle
... a messenger, one sent on a mission, an apostle. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: apostolos Phonetic Spelling: (ap-os'-tol-os) Short Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/652.htm - 7k

1821. exapostello -- to send forth or away
... task). 1821 (from 1537 , "out from" intensifying 649 , "commission, send
forth") -- properly, send ("sent out from"). Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1821.htm - 7k

649. apostello -- to send, send away
... Word Origin from apo and stello Definition to send, send away NASB Word Usage puts
(1), send (17), send forth (3), sending (3), sends (1), sent (104), sent ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/649.htm - 10k

630. apoluo -- to set free, release
... 1), pardoned (1), release (20), released (8), releasing...to depart (1),
send...away (9), sending...away (1), sending away (1), sends...away (1), sent... ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/630.htm - 10k

375. anapempo -- to send up
... back. Word Origin from ana and pempo Definition to send up NASB Word Usage
send (1), sent (1), sent...back (3). send again. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/375.htm - 6k

1599. ekpempo -- to send forth
... forth. Word Origin from ek and pempo Definition to send forth NASB Word
Usage sent (1), sent...away (1). send away, send forth. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1599.htm - 6k

1544b. ekballo -- to expel, to drive, cast or send out
... 1), drove (4), eliminated* (1), leads (1), leave (1), put (2), puts (1), puts forth
(1), putting (1), scorn (1), send (2), sending...away (1), sent (3), sent ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1544b.htm - 6k

4842. sumpempo -- to send with
... together with. Word Origin from sun and pempo Definition to send with
NASB Word Usage sent (1), sent along (1). send with. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4842.htm - 6k

3131. manna -- manna
... 3131 -- literally, "What is it?" -- the question asked by the wandering Israelites
in the OT when God gave them (divinely-sent bread wafers) (see Nu 11:6 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3131.htm - 7k

27. agapetos -- beloved
... loved, beloved, with two special applications: the Beloved, a title of the Messiah
(Christ), as beloved beyond all others by the God who sent Him; of Christians ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/27.htm - 8k

3612. Kaleb -- a son of Jephunneh and sent by Moses to spy out the ...
... Kaleb. 3613 . a son of Jephunneh and sent by Moses to spy out the land.
Transliteration: Kaleb Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-labe') Short Definition: Caleb. ...
/hebrew/3612.htm - 6k

8274. Sherebeyah -- "Yah has sent burning heat," an Israelite name
... Sherebeyah. 8275 . "Yah has sent burning heat," an Israelite name. Transliteration:
Sherebeyah Phonetic Spelling: (shay-rayb-yaw') Short Definition: Sherebiah ...
/hebrew/8274.htm - 6k

7971. shalach -- to send
... 7970, 7971. shalach. 7972 . to send. Transliteration: shalach Phonetic Spelling:
(shaw-lakh') Short Definition: sent. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/7971.htm - 7k

5674a. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on
... 1), proceeding (2), put away (2), remove (1), removed (2), repealed (1), rolled
(1), run riot (1), runs its course (1), send through (1), sent (2), sent across ...
/hebrew/5674a.htm - 7k

7964. shilluchim -- a sending away, parting gift
... Word Origin from shalach Definition a sending away, parting gift NASB Word
Usage dowry (1), parting gifts (1). presents, have sent back. ...
/hebrew/7964.htm - 6k

1540. galah -- to uncover, remove
... 2), remove (1), removed (3), reported (1), reveal (5), reveal* (1), revealed (12),
revealed* (2), revealing (1), reveals (4), revelation* (1), sent into exile ...
/hebrew/1540.htm - 7k

7972. shelach -- to send
... 7971, 7972. shelach. 7973 . to send. Transliteration: shelach Phonetic
Spelling: (shel-akh') Short Definition: sent. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/7972.htm - 6k

4305. matar -- to rain
... denominative verb from matar Definition to rain NASB Word Usage bring rain (1),
rain (5), rained (5), rained down (1), send (1), send rain (3), sent rain (1). ...
/hebrew/4305.htm - 6k

7725. shub -- to turn back, return
... and take back (1), return* (1), returned (151), returned* (1), returning (2), returns
(9), reverse (1), revived (1), revoke (10), revoked (1), sent back (1 ...
/hebrew/7725.htm - 9k

3947. laqach -- to take
... procured (2), put (1), raise (3), receive (20), received (12), receives (3), receiving
(1), seize (3), seized (2), select (1), selected (1), sent (1), supply (1 ...
/hebrew/3947.htm - 6k

John the Baptist was Sent. From Where? his Soul was Sent from a ...
... Book II. 24. John the Baptist Was Sent. From Where? His Soul Was Sent from
a Higher Region. "There was a man sent from God, whose ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 john the baptist was.htm

The Man Sent Ahead.
... The Tragic Break in the Plan The Man Sent Ahead. A high fence of silence shuts out
from view the after years. ... A man is sent ahead to tell of the King's coming. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the man sent ahead.htm

Whether the Angels are Sent on Works of Ministry?
... THE MISSION OF THE ANGELS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the angels are sent
on works of ministry? Objection 1: It would seem that the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the angels are sent.htm

Whether a Divine Person is Sent Only by the Person Whence He ...
... THE MISSION OF THE DIVINE PERSONS (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether a divine person
is sent only by the person whence He proceeds eternally? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a divine person is.htm

Was it for this He Sent Souls, that Some Should Infest the ...
... Book II. 42 Was it for this He sent souls, that some should infest the
highways and roads? Was it for this He sent souls, that ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/42 was it for this.htm

Whether all the Angels are Sent in Ministry?
... THE MISSION OF THE ANGELS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether all the angels are sent in ministry?
Objection 1: It would seem that all the angels are sent in ministry. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether all the angels are 2.htm

Was it for this He Sent Souls, that they which Shortly Before had ...
... Book II. 41 Was it for this He sent souls, that they which shortly before
had been gentle? Was it for this He sent souls, that ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/41 was it for this.htm

Was it for this He Sent Souls Hither, that While the Other ...
... Book II. 40 Was it for this He sent souls hither, that while the other
creatures are fed? Was it for this He sent souls hither ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/40 was it for this.htm

Whether a Divine Person Can be Properly Sent?
... THE MISSION OF THE DIVINE PERSONS (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether a divine person can
be properly sent? ... For one who is sent is less than the sender. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a divine person can.htm

How Cyrenius was Sent by Caesar to Make a Taxation Of
... From The Banishment Of Archelus To The Departure From Babylon. CHAPTER
1. How Cyrenius Was Sent By Caesar To Make A Taxation Of. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how cyrenius was.htm

Sent (7705 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Send. 2. (v. & n.) See Scent. 3. (v.) obs. 3d pers. sing. pres. of Send,
for sendeth. 4. (v.) imp. & pp of Send. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SENT...
/s/sent.htm - 9k

Spy (27 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A person sent secretly into an enemy's camp, territory, or fortifications,
to inspect his works, ascertain his strength, movements, or designs, and to ...
/s/spy.htm - 16k

Amazi'ah (37 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 14:8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of
Jehu, king of Israel, saying: 'Come, let us look one another in the face ...
/a/amazi'ah.htm - 17k

Spies (22 Occurrences)
... Kadesh for the first time, and were encamped there, Moses selected twelve spies
from among the chiefs of the divisions of the tribes, and sent them forth to ...
/s/spies.htm - 15k

Sennacherib (13 Occurrences)
... in, and raising banks of earth against the gates, so as to prevent escape...Then
upon Hezekiah there fell the fear of the power of my arms, and he sent out to ...
/s/sennacherib.htm - 18k

Ambassador (5 Occurrences)
... To do injury to an ambassador was to insult the king who sent him (2 Samuel
10:5). Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) Alt. of Embassador. Int. ...
/a/ambassador.htm - 11k

Aramean (17 Occurrences)
... Laban the Syrian, to be his wife. (See JPS NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 28:5 And
Isaac sent away Jacob. And he went to Paddan-aram unto ...
/a/aramean.htm - 12k

Sympathy (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 10:2 David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his
father showed kindness to me." So David sent by his servants to comfort him ...
/s/sympathy.htm - 12k

Speed (22 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT). Acts 21:32 He instantly sent for a few soldiers and their
officers, and came down among the people with all speed. ...
/s/speed.htm - 14k

Sanballat (10 Occurrences)
... Let a letter with regard to the rebuilding of the temple of the God Jaho in the
fortress of Yeb, as it was formerly built, be sent from thee. ...
/s/sanballat.htm - 14k

Why did Jesus say that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24)? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

How many times has God sent fire from heaven? | GotQuestions.org

Sent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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