Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and gaining insight into the cultural and historical context of ancient Greek society. The Greek word ἐπικέλλω (epikellō), which means “to run aground” or “to bring a ship ashore,” is particularly significant in Biblical texts. It often appears in maritime contexts, shedding light on the experiences of seafaring in antiquity, and provides deeper understanding of narrative elements involving travel, trade, and survival in the ancient Mediterranean world.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπικέλλω (epikellō) [eh-pee-KEL-loh]
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπι- (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb κέλλω (kellō), which means “to drive” or “to force.” Together, the compound verb means “to drive upon” or “to run ashore.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; primarily used in the present active indicative form.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To run aground: To intentionally or accidentally bring a ship to rest on the shore or in shallow waters.
- To bring a ship ashore: Refers to maneuvering a vessel toward the land or beaching it, either for unloading, repairs, or due to adverse conditions.
- To thrust upon the shore: Emphasizes the forceful action of grounding a ship, usually due to strong winds or waves.
Similar Words: προσαράσσω (prosarassō) [pros-ah-RAS-soh], meaning “to run a ship aground” or “to drive ashore.” While προσαράσσω carries a similar meaning, it often implies a more violent or accidental grounding compared to ἐπικέλλω, which can also be a deliberate act.
Further Insights: ἐπικέλλω is a verb commonly used in maritime contexts, especially in historical narratives and descriptions of seafaring life. It belongs to a category of Greek verbs describing navigation and ship handling. This verb does not have a declension as it is not a noun, but it does follow the standard conjugation pattern for regular Greek verbs. The verb forms change based on tense, voice, and mood.
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
The lexicon defines epikellō as “to run a ship aground” or “to bring to land,” typically used in a nautical context. It is noted for its usage in both literal and metaphorical senses, especially in ancient literature describing shipwrecks or safe landings.
Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epikellō as “to thrust upon the shore” or “to beach a vessel.” Thayer highlights its use in the New Testament and other Greek writings to describe the process of steering a ship toward land, often during emergencies.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Explains epikellō as “to bring a ship to land,” commonly used in Biblical narratives involving sea travel. Vine underscores the term’s relevance in the cultural context of ancient seafaring, where understanding such terms is vital for interpreting Scripture involving sea voyages.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Lists epikellō as “to run aground” or “to bring ashore,” emphasizing its nautical applications in both classical and Hellenistic Greek literature. It frequently appears in descriptions of naval maneuvers and shipwrecks.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epikellō as “to run ashore,” focusing on its appearance in the New Testament and its implications for understanding Biblical narratives involving sea travel.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 27:41: “But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground [ἐπέκειλαν (epekeilan)]. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Odyssey | “As the storm grew fiercer, they ran the ship aground (ἐπέκελλον) on the rocky shore.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The captain skillfully directed the vessel to run aground (ἐπικέλλειν) in a safe harbor.” |
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “To avoid capture, they decided to run the fleet aground (ἐπέκελλον) on the friendly coast.” |
| Septuagint | Jonah 1:15 (LXX) | “And they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.” (Implied: The ship might have run aground) |
| Septuagint | Ezekiel 27:26 (LXX) | “Your rowers have brought you out into the high seas. The east wind has wrecked you in the heart of the seas.” (Implied grounding) |
| Septuagint | Psalms 107:30 (LXX) | “Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.” (Implied: Successful landing) |
Summary of ἐπικέλλω (G2027: epikellō)
The Greek verb ἐπικέλλω (epikellō), meaning “to run aground” or “to bring ashore,” is a term deeply rooted in the maritime culture of ancient Greece. Its use in the New Testament and classical literature reveals its importance in describing nautical maneuvers, particularly in contexts involving shipwrecks or safe landings. Understanding this word provides insights into the world of ancient seafaring, highlighting the skills required for navigation and the challenges faced by sailors. It is a word that bridges the literal act of steering a ship to shore with the metaphorical implications of navigating life’s storms and finding safe harbors.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the Greek word ἐπικέλλω (epikellō) was not only used in historical and Biblical contexts but also in ancient Greek dramas and poetry to depict the perilous adventures of sailors and heroes? This word often symbolized the human struggle against nature, fate, and divine will, making it a powerful metaphor for both physical and spiritual journeys.
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