### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **αἰγιαλός** (aigialós), represented by `{{G123}}`, refers to the **shore** or a **beach**. Its definition comes from the words for "to rush" (aisso) and "the sea" (ἅλς), painting a picture of a beach on which waves dash. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G123}}` consistently marks the boundary between sea and land. It is a place of gathering, where a great **multitude** `{{G3793}}` stood to hear Jesus teach [[Matthew 13:2]], and where disciples gathered good fish into vessels after drawing a net to the **shore** [[Matthew 13:48]]. It is also a site of significant arrivals and departures. Jesus appeared to his disciples on the **shore** after His resurrection [[John 21:4]], and Paul and his companions kneeled down on the **shore** to pray before departing from a city [[Acts 21:5]]. In the context of a perilous sea journey, the **shore** represents a place of safety that sailors desperately try to reach ([[Acts 27:39]], [[Acts 27:40]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the concept of the shore:
* `{{G2281}}` **thálassa** (sea): This word, defined as **the sea**, is the natural counterpart to the **shore** `{{G123}}`. The narrative in Acts describes sailors committing themselves to the **sea** while attempting to make it toward the shore [[Acts 27:40]].
* `{{G4143}}` **ploîon** (ship): A **vessel** or **ship**, this word is frequently used in connection with the **shore** `{{G123}}`. Jesus taught from a **ship** near the shore [[Matthew 13:2]], and sailors in distress were minded to thrust their **ship** into a creek with a shore [[Acts 27:39]].
* `{{G1093}}` **gē** (land): Meaning **soil, a region, or land**, this term represents the stable ground that the **shore** `{{G123}}` borders. In Acts, sailors in a storm did not recognize the **land** but discovered a shore they hoped to reach [[Acts 27:39]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G123}}` is seen in its function as a place of critical spiritual activity.
* **Boundary and Transition:** The **shore** serves as a critical boundary between the often chaotic **sea** `{{G2281}}` and stable **land** `{{G1093}}`. This is most evident in the account of the shipwreck, where reaching the **shore** represented the only hope of survival [[Acts 27:39-40]].
* **Place of Divine Encounter and Ministry:** The **shore** is a setting where the divine intersects with the human. Jesus stood on the **shore** to reveal Himself to His disciples after the resurrection [[John 21:4]], and it was from a ship just off the **shore** that He taught great multitudes [[Matthew 13:2]].
* **Setting for Judgment and Separation:** In the parable of the net, the **shore** is the place where the catch is brought for sorting. The **good** `{{G2570}}` are gathered into vessels, while the **bad** `{{G4550}}` are cast away, illustrating a scene of separation [[Matthew 13:48]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G123}}` signifies far more than a simple geographical feature. It is a place of transition, marking the line between the perils of the sea and the safety of land. As a setting for teaching, post-resurrection appearances, prayer, and parabolic judgment, the **shore** functions as a key location in the biblical narrative where humanity gathers, decisions are made, and divine purpose is revealed.
TRV