Unveiling the Word

Understanding the original Greek words in Biblical texts is crucial for a deeper comprehension of the Scriptures and their meanings. The Greek word κολυμβάω (kolumbaō), which first appears in Acts 27:43, is particularly significant for its literal and metaphorical applications in the New Testament. This word, which means “to swim,” not only offers insight into the everyday activities of ancient Greek and Roman culture but also highlights the dynamics of survival, trust, and divine providence seen in the Biblical narrative. Analyzing such words enriches our understanding of New Testament passages by providing cultural and historical context.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κολυμβάω, transliterated as kolumbaō [ko-loo-MBAH-oh].

Etymology: The root of κολυμβάω is believed to come from the Proto-Indo-European root kwel- meaning “to revolve” or “to move around.” This sense is related to the circular motions involved in swimming. The word evolved to specifically refer to the act of swimming or floating in water.

Part of Speech: Verb. Kolumbaō is a present active verb, commonly used in its infinitive form to mean “to swim” or “to float.” The verb can appear in various grammatical moods, such as indicative, subjunctive, or imperative, depending on the context.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Swim: The primary meaning of κολυμβάω is “to swim.” It is used to describe the literal act of moving through water using one’s limbs, as seen in Acts 27:43 when the Roman soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent them from escaping by swimming away.
2. To Float or Drift: The verb can also imply the idea of floating or drifting in water, which is contextually significant in passages describing survival at sea or divine intervention during sea voyages.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Πλέω (pleō) [PLEH-oh]: Means “to sail” or “to navigate by ship.” While kolumbaō refers to swimming, pleō is more focused on sailing or moving by boat.
2. Διαπλέω (diapleō) [dee-ah-PLEH-oh]: Means “to sail through” or “to pass through by sailing.” This word emphasizes traversing through an area of water rather than the action of swimming.
3. Περιπλέω (peripleō) [pe-ree-PLEH-oh]: Means “to sail around.” It differs from kolumbaō by focusing on a navigational route rather than the physical act of swimming.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: Kolumbaō can be used in various tenses such as present, imperfect, future, and aorist, in the active voice, indicating the subject performs the action of swimming. It is primarily found in the indicative mood but can also appear in other moods like subjunctive or imperative.

Person and Number: The verb is conjugated in different persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and numbers (singular, plural) to suit the subject of the sentence. For example:

Aspect: The verb kolumbaō conveys different aspects: imperfective (ongoing action) and perfective (completed action). For example, the present tense (κολυμβῶ) shows ongoing swimming, while the aorist (κολυμβήσαι) indicates the simple, completed action of swimming.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word kolumbaō appears in various contexts in Greek literature and the New Testament. In Acts 27:43, it is used to describe the desperate attempt to swim to safety after a shipwreck, highlighting the human struggle for survival and God’s providential care. Classical Greek literature also reflects this term’s use in different settings, from leisure swimming to dire survival situations. In theological terms, kolumbaō might represent the efforts to overcome trials and the reliance on divine intervention. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 27:43: “But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose and commanded that those who could swim [kolumbaō] should jump overboard first and get to land.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word κολυμβάω (kolumbaō) is a dynamic Greek verb that conveys both the literal action of swimming and the metaphorical sense of overcoming difficulties. Its use in Acts 27:43 underscores themes of survival and divine care in the New Testament. By examining its meanings, similar words, and usage across classical literature, one gains a richer understanding of the physical and spiritual nuances conveyed by this word.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greece, swimming was not only a survival skill but also a leisure activity and a military necessity.
2. The word kolumbaō is also related to the noun kolumbethra, which refers to a swimming pool or a reservoir.
3. In the Septuagint, kolumbaō is used metaphorically to describe God’s actions, reflecting its broad metaphorical potential in theological discussions.