### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb βραδυπλοέω (G1020) is a compound word derived from βραδύς (`{{G1021}}`), meaning "slow" or "tardy," and πλέω (`{{G4131}}`), meaning "to sail" or "to navigate." Therefore, its core meaning is precisely "to sail slowly." This term inherently implies a lack of swift progress, often due to unfavorable conditions such as contrary winds or challenging currents. It describes a literal nautical state, with no attested metaphorical or figurative extensions in the New Testament. The slowness indicated is not necessarily due to a lack of effort, but rather an external impediment to efficient travel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
βραδυπλοέω (G1020) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts, specifically within the narrative of Paul's perilous sea journey to Rome:
* [[Acts 27:7]]: "And when we had sailed slowly many days, and were come with difficulty over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone."
In this sole occurrence, the phrase "sailed slowly" (βραδυπλοέωμεν) is crucial for understanding the immediate context of the voyage. Luke, as the narrator, emphasizes the arduous nature of their journey. The subsequent clause, "the wind not suffering us" (τοῦ ἀνέμου μὴ προσεῶντος ἡμᾶς), directly explains the reason for their slow progress: adverse winds prevented the ship from making headway efficiently. This detailed description highlights the real-world challenges of ancient maritime travel, where reliance on wind power meant that contrary conditions could drastically impede or even halt a voyage. The slow sailing sets the scene for the increasing dangers and eventual shipwreck that follow, underscoring the difficult and providential path Paul was taking to Rome.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding βραδυπλοέω (G1020) is enhanced by examining its constituent parts and related terms:
* **βραδύς (bradys - `{{G1021}}`):** The root for "slow." While in βραδυπλοέω it denotes a physical hindrance, βραδύς can also carry positive connotations elsewhere, such as being "slow to speak, slow to wrath" in [[James 1:19]], or God being "not slow concerning His promise" in [[2 Peter 3:9]], implying patience and deliberateness.
* **πλέω (pleō - `{{G4131}}`):** The root for "to sail." This is a common verb in Acts describing various sea voyages (e.g., [[Acts 21:3]], [[Acts 27:1]], [[Acts 27:6]]). The addition of "slowly" to this common act of sailing immediately signals difficulty.
* **ἄνεμος (anemos - `{{G417}}`):** "Wind." As indicated in [[Acts 27:7]], the wind was the direct cause of the slow sailing, illustrating the critical dependence of ancient ships on favorable atmospheric conditions.
* **δυσκόλως (dyskolos - `{{G1423}}`):** "With difficulty." The adverb μόλις (molis), often translated as "with difficulty" or "hardly," is used in the same verse ([[Acts 27:7]]) regarding their ability to reach Cnidus. This reinforces the sense of struggle and arduousness conveyed by βραδυπλοέω.
* **χείμαζω (cheimazō - `{{G5492}}`):** "To be storm-tossed." While βραδυπλοέω describes slow progress due to unfavorable winds, χειμάζω describes the more violent experience of being caught in a storm. The slow sailing could be a precursor to or a symptom of deteriorating weather conditions that lead to such a storm.
### Theological Significance
While βραδυπλοέω (G1020) is a descriptive term of literal nautical experience, its singular appearance within the divinely orchestrated journey of Paul to Rome imbues it with implicit theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Adversity:** The "sailing slowly" due to contrary winds highlights that even in the face of natural impediments and human frustration, God's overarching plan remains in effect. The delays and difficulties do not thwart God's purpose but are integrated into it, ultimately leading to Paul's arrival in Rome as prophesied ([[Acts 23:11]]).
* **Realism of Apostolic Ministry:** The detailed account of the journey, including the slow and difficult progress, underscores the tangible hardships and physical challenges faced by the apostles. Ministry was not always characterized by smooth sailing or miraculous ease; it often involved endurance, patience, and reliance on God through strenuous circumstances.
* **Patience and Trust in God's Timing:** The forced slowness of the journey would have necessitated patience from all on board, including Paul. It serves as a reminder that God's timetable may not align with human expectations of efficiency, and that even a slow, arduous path is part of His will and can lead to His intended destination.
* **Preparation for Greater Trials:** The initial difficulty of "sailing slowly" can be seen as a prelude to the more severe trials of the storm and shipwreck. It subtly prepares the reader for the escalating challenges, demonstrating that even minor setbacks can be part of a larger divine narrative unfolding under God's watchful eye.
### Summary
The Greek verb βραδυπλοέω (G1020), meaning "to sail slowly," is a precise and descriptive term composed of βραδύς (`{{G1021}}`, "slow") and πλέω (`{{G4131}}`, "to sail"). Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 27:7]] vividly portrays the challenging conditions faced by Paul's ship, where contrary winds caused arduous and delayed progress. This word underscores the practical realities of ancient sea travel and sets a tone of struggle for the ensuing narrative of shipwreck and survival. Theologically, βραδυπλοέω subtly points to God's sovereign hand guiding events even amidst natural impediments and human difficulties. It reminds believers that divine purposes are fulfilled despite delays and adversities, emphasizing the need for patience, endurance, and trust in God's timing on the journey of faith.
TRV