Brief Overview of ἐμβιβάζω (Strong’s G1688: embibázō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for deepening our comprehension of the Scriptures and the cultural context in which they were written. The Greek verb ἐμβιβάζω (embibázō) is one such term that, while not frequently encountered, plays a significant role in conveying action and movement within the New Testament narratives. Its use illuminates aspects of ancient travel, transport, and the act of leading or bringing someone into a new situation. This word’s relevance extends beyond New Testament interpretation, offering insights into ancient Greek culture, where such terms were integral in describing physical movements and transitions.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμβιβάζω (embibázō) [em-bee-BAH-zoh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐν (en), meaning “in” or “into,” combined with βιβάζω (bibázō), a verb related to the act of causing to go or leading someone. Together, it conveys the meaning “to cause to go into” or “to lead into.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Active voice, indicative mood, first person singular form).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Put Aboard: The primary meaning of ἐμβιβάζω is “to put aboard” or “to embark,” often in the context of placing someone or something onto a vehicle, such as a boat or a ship.
• To Lead Into: The term can also mean “to lead into” or “to bring into,” implying guidance or the act of bringing someone into a new situation or place.
• To Cause to Go Into: It can also carry the broader sense of causing or making someone enter into a particular state or location.

Similar Words:

• εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai) [ei-SER-khoh-mai]: Meaning “to enter,” this word is more general and lacks the specific connotation of leading or placing someone into a position, as implied by ἐμβιβάζω.
• παραγίνομαι (paragínomai) [pa-ra-GEE-noh-mai]: This term means “to come alongside” or “to arrive,” which is somewhat related but focuses more on arrival rather than the act of placing or leading into a space.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐμβιβάζω is a compound verb formed from the prefix ἐν and the verb βιβάζω. The construction emphasizes an action that involves intentionality and direction, highlighting the act of guiding or positioning someone or something into a new state or place.
• Linguistic Features: The word’s structure is straightforward, with the prefix ἐν providing a directional aspect, and βιβάζω contributing the action of leading or causing to go. This compound form emphasizes the intentional action involved in the process of movement or transition.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐμβιβάζω as “to put on board,” with emphasis on its use in Acts 21:6, where it describes the act of placing individuals on a ship, indicating a deliberate and purposeful action.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon describes the verb as meaning “to embark” or “to put on board,” with additional emphasis on its metaphorical use in leading or guiding someone into a situation or state.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary explains ἐμβιβάζω as a term used in the context of placing or leading someone into a specific place or situation, often with the connotation of guidance or authority.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides historical context, noting that the verb was commonly used in classical Greek literature to describe the act of embarking or placing someone or something onto a vehicle, such as a ship or chariot.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance categorizes ἐμβιβάζω as meaning “to put aboard” or “to embark,” specifically noting its usage in the New Testament in Acts 21:6, where it describes the apostles boarding a ship.

Scripture References

• Acts 21:6 – “And having said farewell to one another, we went on board (ἐμβιβάζω) the ship, and they returned home.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμβιβάζω (G1688: embibázō)

The Greek verb ἐμβιβάζω (embibázō) primarily means “to put aboard” or “to embark,” with a focus on the act of placing or leading someone or something into a vehicle or situation. Its use in Acts 21:6 illustrates its practical application in the context of travel and movement in the ancient world. The word also has metaphorical implications, suggesting guidance or leadership in causing someone to enter into a particular state or place. Understanding this word provides insights into both the physical and metaphorical language of the New Testament, as well as its connections to broader Greek cultural practices.

Did You Know?

The word ἐμβιβάζω is closely related to the term βιβάζω (bibázō), which also means “to cause to go” or “to lead.” However, ἐμβιβάζω specifically carries the connotation of placing someone into a vehicle or situation, emphasizing the deliberate and guided nature of the action. This term highlights the importance of intentionality and direction in the actions described in the New Testament, particularly in the context of travel and movement.