Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding specific words and their usage is essential for interpreting the New Testament accurately and gaining deeper insights into ancient Greek culture. The word ἐμβαίνω (embainō) is one such term that appears in significant contexts, particularly in narratives involving movement or entry, often in relation to entering a ship or embarking on a journey. This word is crucial for grasping the subtleties of various passages, where physical movement symbolizes deeper spiritual or theological transitions. Studying ἐμβαίνω helps bridge the linguistic gap between the ancient text and modern readers, providing clarity on the actions and intentions of the individuals described in the Scriptures.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐμβαίνω (embainō) [em-BAI-noh]
• Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and the verb βαίνω (bainō), meaning “to go” or “to step.” Combined, ἐμβαίνω literally means “to go in” or “to step into.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative, first person singular form). This verb is commonly used in narratives to describe physical movement, especially the act of entering or embarking.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To Embark: The primary meaning of ἐμβαίνω is “to embark” or “to go aboard,” particularly used in contexts where individuals are boarding a ship or vessel.
• To Enter: More generally, ἐμβαίνω can also mean “to enter” into any space or situation, emphasizing the act of stepping into a new environment or state.

Similar Words:

• ἐισβαίνω (eisbainō) [ees-BAI-noh]: This word also means “to go into” or “to enter,” but it often carries a stronger sense of entering into a place or situation with purpose or force.
• ἀναβαίνω (anabainō) [ah-nah-BAI-noh]: Meaning “to go up” or “to ascend,” this word is used in contexts where upward movement or ascent is emphasized, differing from the more general entry implied by ἐμβαίνω.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐμβαίνω is a compound verb that combines the preposition ἐν (en) with the verb βαίνω (bainō). The compound nature of the word adds a specific direction or context to the action of stepping or going, particularly emphasizing entry or embarking.
• Linguistic Features: This verb is often used in narratives to indicate a significant transition or movement, particularly in contexts involving journeys or transitions from one state or place to another. The usage of ἐμβαίνω in the New Testament is often metaphorical, symbolizing spiritual journeys or transitions.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon identifies ἐμβαίνω as a verb used primarily to describe the action of stepping into or boarding a vessel. It is noted for its frequent use in the Gospels, where Jesus and the disciples are described as embarking on boats.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights the usage of ἐμβαίνω in both literal and metaphorical senses. The word is often used in the context of entering a ship, but it can also be found in passages where the act of entering a new situation or environment is described.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary focuses on the verb’s role in narrative contexts, where ἐμβαίνω emphasizes the action of embarking or beginning a journey, often with a spiritual or symbolic significance.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon offers a broad overview of the word’s use in classical Greek literature, where it frequently appears in maritime contexts, emphasizing the act of boarding or entering a ship.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance categorizes ἐμβαίνω as a verb meaning “to embark” or “to enter,” particularly in the context of nautical activities. It underscores the importance of this word in passages where physical movement symbolizes deeper spiritual meanings.

Scripture References:

• Mark 4:1 – “And again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into (ἐμβαίνω) a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.”
• Luke 5:3 – “Getting into (ἐμβαίνω) one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat.”
• Acts 21:6 – “And when we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded (ἐμβαίνω) the ship, and they returned home.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐμβαίνω (G1684: embainō):

The Greek word ἐμβαίνω (embainō) is a verb that primarily means “to embark” or “to enter.” It is frequently used in the New Testament to describe physical movement, particularly the act of boarding a ship. This word also carries metaphorical significance, often symbolizing transitions or the beginning of a journey, both physical and spiritual. Understanding ἐμβαίνω enriches our interpretation of passages where entering or embarking on a journey holds deeper theological implications.

Did You Know?

The word ἐμβαίνω not only describes the act of physically boarding a ship but is also used metaphorically in ancient Greek literature to signify embarking on a significant life journey or transition. In the New Testament, this word is particularly associated with Jesus’ and the disciples’ travels by boat, symbolizing not just physical movement but also the spiritual journeys they undertook.