Brief Overview of Βραδυπλοέω (G1020: Bradyploeō)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek verb βραδυπλοέω (Bradyploeō) is pronounced bra-doo-plo-eh’-o. This word is a compound of two Greek words: bradys (βραδύς), meaning “slow,” and ploieō (πλοέω), which means “to sail.” Thus, Bradyploeō literally means “to sail slowly.” The term is primarily used to describe the act of moving slowly or with delay, specifically in the context of sailing.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In Greek lexicons such as BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Bradyploeō is defined as “to sail slowly,” often due to adverse conditions such as unfavorable winds or currents. This term appears in the New Testament in Acts 27:7, which recounts the journey of Paul to Rome: “We sailed slowly (Bradyploeō) for many days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, as the wind did not permit us to go farther.” Here, Bradyploeō is used to describe the slow progress of a ship due to unfavorable winds, highlighting the difficulties faced during the journey.

Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon also underscores the meaning of Bradyploeō as “to sail slowly,” emphasizing the idea of delayed or hindered movement. The term carries connotations of difficulty and struggle, as the slowness is not due to the sailors’ lack of effort but rather external conditions beyond their control.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, Bradyploeō is not a common term, but its components, bradys and ploieō, are frequently used. The concept of slow sailing (Bradyploeō) would be understood in the context of maritime travel, where the speed of a vessel was dependent on wind, current, and the skill of the sailors.

One example of slow sailing can be inferred from the writings of Thucydides, who describes the challenges faced by Athenian fleets during their naval expeditions, where progress was often hampered by adverse conditions. Although Bradyploeō is not explicitly used, the situation described aligns with its meaning.

Another relevant example comes from Homer’s “Odyssey,” where Odysseus’ journey is marked by slow progress and delays due to various natural and supernatural forces. Again, while the specific term Bradyploeō is not used, the concept of slow sailing is integral to the narrative.

A third example can be found in the historical accounts of Polybius, who details the difficulties faced by Roman fleets navigating through difficult waters, which often led to slow and arduous journeys. The descriptions provided by Polybius resonate with the meaning of Bradyploeō as it pertains to the challenges of maritime travel.

Summary:
The Greek verb βραδυπλοέω (Bradyploeō) means “to sail slowly.” It is a compound word derived from bradys (slow) and ploieō (to sail), and it appears in the New Testament in Acts 27:7 to describe the slow progress of Paul’s ship due to unfavorable winds. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s emphasize the term’s association with delayed or hindered movement, particularly in a maritime context. Although Bradyploeō is not commonly found in classical Greek literature, the concept it represents is well-documented in descriptions of naval expeditions by authors like Thucydides, Homer, and Polybius. These accounts align with the meaning of Bradyploeō, illustrating the challenges of slow sailing due to external conditions. Overall, Bradyploeō highlights the struggles and delays that can occur in sea travel, offering insight into the difficulties faced by sailors in both ancient and biblical times.