Strong’s G4142: A diminutive noun meaning “small boat” or “little ship,” derived from πλοῖον (ship). In ancient Mediterranean culture, it typically referred to fishing vessels or small transport boats. In New Testament usage, it appears in significant narratives of Jesus’s ministry around the Sea of Galilee.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλοιάριον represents the humble vessels that played crucial roles in Jesus’s ministry. As a diminutive of πλοῖον, it specifically describes the smaller boats used for fishing and transport on the Sea of Galilee. In the New Testament, these boats become settings for important teachings, miracles, and discipleship moments. Early church writers saw symbolic significance in these small vessels as representations of the church and Christian community. Today, it reminds us how God uses humble means to accomplish His purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλοιάριον, ploiarion, /ploy-AR-ee-on/
• Detailed pronunciation: ploy-AR-ee-on (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πλο- (plo-) meaning “to float/sail”
• Stem: πλοῖ- (ploi-) from πλοῖον (ship)
• Suffix: -άριον (-arion) diminutive ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Small boat
• Little ship
• Fishing vessel

For compound words: Not a compound word, but contains diminutive suffix -άριον indicating smaller size

Translation Options:

• Small boat – Most common usage
• Skiff – Captures size and purpose
• Little vessel – Emphasizes diminutive aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πλοῖον (ploion) /PLOY-on/ – larger ship or boat
  See G4143
• σκάφη (skaphē) /SKAF-ay/ – boat, particularly a dinghy
  See G4627

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples:
Nominative/Accusative: πλοιάριον
Genitive: πλοιαρίου
Dative: πλοιαρίῳ
Plural: πλοιάρια

• Cross-references to basic form πλοῖον and verb πλέω

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its size distinction from πλοῖον. Thayer’s notes its common use for fishing vessels. LSJ documents usage in maritime contexts. Vine’s highlights its appearance in Gospel narratives. Strong’s connects it to small fishing craft. LEH notes limited Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from shipping documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him” Mark 3:9

Additional References:
John 6:22, John 6:23, John 6:24, John 21:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλοιάριον reminds us that God often works through humble means. These small boats carried Jesus as He taught, performed miracles, and called disciples. Like these vessels, we may seem insignificant, but in God’s hands, we become instruments for His kingdom purposes.

D – Did You Know?

1. Archaeological discoveries match the size implied by this term.
2. The diminutive form was used in ancient boat rental contracts.
3. Early Christian art often depicted these small boats with symbolic details.

Strong’s G4142: A diminutive noun describing small boats or fishing vessels used on the Sea of Galilee. In New Testament usage, these humble craft become significant settings for Jesus’s ministry, teaching, and miracles.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: boats, fishing, Sea of Galilee, Jesus’s ministry, maritime terms, Gospel narratives, biblical Greek, fishing vessels, disciples, water transport, humble means, maritime ministry​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​