Summary
Quick facts
- Strong’s Number
- G2668
- Original Word
- καταπλέω
- Transliteration
- katapléō
- Pronunciation
- kat-ap-leh'-o
- Part of Speech
- verb
- Category
- Unique Words
- Root / Etymology
- from G2596 (κατά) and G4126 (πλέω);
- Frequency
- 1×
- Gematria
- 1237
Where it appears
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Commentary
Contributors: · · · ·
Introduction
In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words provides deeper insights into the original meaning and context of the scriptures. One such word is καταπλέω (katapleō), which is particularly significant in interpreting passages related to maritime journeys in the New Testament and ancient Greek literature. This verb, often translated as "to sail down" or "to arrive by sea," carries connotations of travel, exploration, and arrival, making it an important term for understanding both the physical and metaphorical journeys depicted in ancient texts.
Key Information
Primary Meanings
Similar Words
Morphological Features
Examples of Morphological Usage
Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative Active form of καταπλέω:
Aspect: The verb καταπλέω conveys different aspects depending on the tense. The imperfective aspect (present tense) emphasizes ongoing or repeated action, while the perfective aspect (aorist tense) highlights a single, completed action of sailing and arriving. The future aspect indicates an action that is anticipated to occur.
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Lexicon Insights
The Greek word καταπλέω (katapleō) is utilized in the New Testament and other early Christian writings to describe journeys by sea, often indicating the arrival of individuals or groups at a specific destination. It appears in Luke 8:26, where it describes Jesus and His disciples arriving by boat in the region of the Gerasenes after crossing the Sea of Galilee. This word emphasizes the completion of a sea journey and the act of making landfall, which is significant in the context of ancient travel, where arriving by sea was often fraught with peril, and reaching the shore signified success and safety.
In classical Greek literature, καταπλέω is more commonly found in texts describing naval expeditions, trade voyages, or exploratory journeys. It highlights the arrival phase of a sea voyage, often used in contrast with verbs that indicate departure. The word also conveys a sense of conclusion or fulfillment of a journey, which has both literal and metaphorical implications, especially in works discussing human endeavors or divine interventions.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Related Scripture References
Classical Usage
Summary of καταπλέω (G2668)
The Greek word καταπλέω (katapleō) is key to understanding ancient Greek maritime terminology, particularly concerning the completion of a sea journey or arrival at a destination. While it appears only once in the New Testament in Luke 8:26, its significance in classical and Septuagint texts adds to our understanding of how sea travel was conceptualized and narrated in ancient times. It provides valuable insights into the experiences of ancient voyagers and the symbolic meaning of arrival after a perilous journey.
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