πλέω
pleō
to sail
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word πλέω (pleō) carries the meaning of "to sail." With its six occurrences in the Bible, its usage is relatively limited but significant. The verb πλέω primarily describes a nautical action, referring to the motion of a ship or boat across the sea. The instances of πλέω can be found in contexts where navigation and journey are crucial, such as in descriptions of sea travel. Its use implies movement from one place to another, often across water, highlighting the importance of this mode of transportation in ancient times. While the range of usage for πλέω is narrow, its significance lies in its depiction of the ancient world's reliance on the seas for trade, commerce, and communication. The biblical text often employs maritime imagery to convey themes and ideas, making πλέω a vital piece in the narrative of the ancient world.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences across the text
But as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water.
Acts 21:3When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was there to unload her cargo.
Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
Acts 27:6There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us on board.
Acts 27:24saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
Revelation 18:17For in an hour such great riches are made desolate.’ Every ship master, and everyone who sails anywhere, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood far away,