Brief Overview of παραπλέω (Strong’s G3896: parapleō)

Strong’s G3896: παραπλέω – A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with πλέω (to sail), meaning to sail past or alongside. Used in nautical contexts to describe coastal navigation, particularly in Acts’ accounts of Paul’s missionary journeys, reflecting ancient Mediterranean maritime practices.

U- Unveiling the Word

παραπλέω is a nautical term describing the act of sailing alongside or past a location. In New Testament usage, it appears in Acts during Paul’s missionary journeys, providing insight into ancient Mediterranean navigation practices. The term carries technical significance in describing coastal navigation, which was the preferred method of ancient seafaring. Early church writings used this term to document missionary travel routes, and today it helps us understand both the practical and symbolic aspects of early Christian mission work.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραπλέω, parapleō, /par-ap-leh’-o/
• Detailed Pronunciation: par (as in ‘par-ent’) – ap (as in ‘ap-ple’) – leh (as in ‘let’) – o (as in ‘go’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρά (para): prefix meaning “beside, alongside”
• πλέω (pleō): root verb meaning “to sail”
• The combination describes the action of sailing alongside or past something

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: To sail past or alongside a coast or location

For compound words:

• παρά indicates movement alongside or past
• πλέω contributes the basic meaning of sailing
• Together they specifically describe coastal navigation

Translation Options:

1. “To sail past” – emphasizes the passing aspect
2. “To sail alongside” – highlights the parallel movement
3. “To coast along” – captures the nature of coastal navigation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαπλέω (diapleō, /dee-ap-leh’-o/) – to sail across or through
• ἐκπλέω (ekpleō, /ek-pleh’-o/) – to sail out or away from
• καταπλέω (katapleō, /kat-ap-leh’-o/) – to sail down to or arrive by sea

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Infinitive, Indicative
• Person: All persons
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Common forms:

• Present: παραπλέω (I sail past)
• Aorist: παρέπλευσα (I sailed past)
• Infinitive: παραπλεῖν (to sail past)

Related words:

• παράπλους (noun) – coastal voyage
• πλοῖον (noun) – ship, vessel

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes παραπλέω’s technical nautical usage. Thayer’s notes its specific meaning of coastal navigation. LSJ documents extensive use in classical maritime literature. Vine’s connects it to ancient navigation practices. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature indicating movement alongside. LEH and Moulton-Milligan highlight its common use in travel accounts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Paul had decided to sail past [παραπλέω] Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.” (Acts 20:16)

Additional References:
None in New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραπλέω represents a specific nautical term for coastal navigation, reflecting ancient Mediterranean sailing practices. Its usage in Acts provides insight into Paul’s missionary travel methods and the practical aspects of early Christian mission work.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient ships primarily used coastal navigation for safety and orientation
2. The term appears frequently in ancient Mediterranean shipping records
3. Understanding this word helps reconstruct early Christian mission routes

Strong’s G3896: παραπλέω – A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with πλέω (to sail), meaning to sail past or alongside. Used in nautical contexts to describe coastal navigation, particularly in Acts’ accounts of Paul’s missionary journeys, reflecting ancient Mediterranean maritime practices.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #sailing #navigation #travel #GreekVerbs #ActsVocabulary #PaulJourneys #AncientNavigation #MaritimeTerms #BiblicalGreek #StrongsG3896