Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament allows for deeper insights into the text’s meaning and context. One such word is ἐκπλέω (ekpléō), which is crucial for interpreting passages related to seafaring and travel in the ancient world. This verb, which means “to set sail” or “to sail away,” is not only relevant for understanding the physical movements of people in the New Testament but also for appreciating the broader cultural and historical context in which these actions took place. By studying ἐκπλέω, we gain a clearer picture of the challenges and significance of maritime travel in the ancient Mediterranean world, a setting that profoundly influenced the spread of early Christianity.

Key Information

• ἐκπλέω (ekpléō) [ek-PLEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of” or “from,” and the verb πλέω (pléō), meaning “to sail” or “to navigate.” The compound verb emphasizes the action of setting sail from a location.
• Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Set Sail: The primary meaning of ἐκπλέω is to set sail, specifically indicating the start of a journey by sea.
• To Sail Away: In some contexts, it can also imply the action of sailing away from a particular location, emphasizing the departure rather than the journey itself.

Similar Words:

• πλέω (pléō) [PLEH-oh]: The root verb meaning “to sail” or “to navigate,” from which ἐκπλέω is derived.
• ἀποπλέω (apopléō) [ap-oh-PLEH-oh]: Another related verb meaning “to sail away” or “to depart by sea,” often used interchangeably with ἐκπλέω but with a slight emphasis on the departure aspect.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐκπλέω is a compound verb, where the prefix ἐκ (out of) combines with πλέω (to sail), enhancing the verb’s meaning to specify the act of setting sail from a specific location. This construction is typical in Greek, where prefixes modify the root verb to convey more precise actions.
• Linguistic Features: The verb is primarily found in the active voice, indicating an action performed by the subject, such as a ship or a person commanding a ship. The word is used in the New Testament and other Greek literature to describe the commencement of sea voyages, which were integral to travel and trade in the ancient world.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon describes ἐκπλέω as “to set sail” or “to sail away,” particularly noting its use in Acts to describe the missionary journeys of Paul and his companions. The term is contextualized within the broader practice of maritime travel in the ancient Mediterranean.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon defines ἐκπλέω as “to sail forth” or “to depart by sea,” emphasizing its use in narratives where the departure is a significant aspect of the journey.

Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that ἐκπλέω is specifically used to indicate the start of a sea voyage, which was a common and often perilous undertaking in the ancient world. The dictionary highlights its importance in understanding the logistical and geographical aspects of early Christian missions.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides classical references where ἐκπλέω is used in literature to describe the act of setting sail, often with a sense of adventure or exploration.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists ἐκπλέω as “to set sail” or “to embark,” focusing on its straightforward application in the New Testament to describe maritime departures.

Scripture References:

• Acts 13:4 – “So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.”
• Acts 27:2 – “And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐκπλέω (G1602: ekpléō)

The Greek verb ἐκπλέω (G1602) plays a vital role in New Testament narratives, especially in the Acts of the Apostles, where it is used to describe the missionary journeys of Paul and other early Christians. This word, which means “to set sail” or “to sail away,” is crucial for understanding the logistical aspects of travel and the spread of Christianity in the ancient Mediterranean world. The verb is a compound of ἐκ (out of) and πλέω (to sail), emphasizing the departure from a specific location. Its usage in both the Bible and classical Greek literature underscores the significance of maritime travel in ancient culture, highlighting the courage and determination required to embark on such journeys.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, setting sail (ἐκπλέω) was often associated with both adventure and danger. The Mediterranean Sea, while a vital trade route, was also known for its unpredictable weather and pirate activity. This context adds a layer of understanding to the Biblical narratives where this word is used, as the act of setting sail was not only a physical journey but often a spiritual or mission-driven undertaking fraught with challenges and uncertainties.