G3881:
Brief Overview of παραλέγομαι (Strong’s G3881: paralegomai)
U- Unveiling the Word
παραλέγομαι is a compound verb combining παρά (beside, along) and λέγομαι (to lay, gather), literally meaning “to sail alongside.” In the New Testament, it appears in the context of maritime navigation, specifically describing Paul’s journey in Acts. The word vividly captures the ancient practice of coastal navigation, where ships would sail close to shorelines for safety and guidance. Today, it remains relevant in discussions of navigation, guidance, and methodical progress.
N – Necessary Information
• Greek Word: παραλέγομαι, paralegomai, /par-al-eg’-om-ahee/
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• Etymology: From παρά (beside) + λέγομαι (to lay, gather)
• Part of Speech: Verb
• F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
D – Defining Meanings
Primary meaning: To sail alongside (a coast), to coast along
Secondary meaning: To navigate close to shore
Technical meaning: To follow a coastline in navigation
E – Exploring Similar Words
• παραπλέω (parapleo) – to sail past, emphasizes passing rather than following
• παρέρχομαι (parerchomai) – to pass by, more general movement
• παροδεύω (parodeuo) – to travel beside, used for land travel
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Verb Features:
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Linear
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG and Thayer’s emphasize its specific nautical usage. LSJ notes its technical application in ancient maritime navigation. Vine’s connects it to careful, methodical movement along coastlines. Strong’s highlights its compound nature and specialized meaning in seafaring contexts.
T – Tracing Related Scriptures
First mentioned:
Acts 27:8 – “And, hardly passing [παραλέγομαι] it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.”
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Work | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Thucydides | Peloponnesian War | “The fleet sailed along [παραλέγομαι] the coastline of Sicily.” |
| Strabo | Geography | “They navigated [παραλέγομαι] close to the Arabian shore.” |
| Plutarch | Lives | “The ships coasted [παραλέγομαι] along the rocky promontory.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
παραλέγομαι is a specialized nautical term describing the practice of sailing along a coastline. Its use in Acts provides technical accuracy to the narrative of Paul’s sea voyage and reflects the common navigation practices of ancient Mediterranean seafaring.
D – Did You Know?
• The word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in Acts 27
• It represents a standard navigation technique used by ancient Mediterranean sailors
• The term influenced modern maritime vocabulary in several languages
Strong’s G3881: A technical nautical term meaning “to sail alongside,” from παρά (beside) and λέγομαι (to lay). Used specifically in Acts to describe coastal navigation, reflecting precise maritime terminology in Biblical narrative of Paul’s journey.
Part of Speech: Verb
Tags: #Nautical #Navigation #Maritime #Acts #PaulJourney #TechnicalTerm #GreekVerb #BiblicalGreek #Seafaring #AncientNavigation
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently.
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