### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαπλέω (diapléō, `{{G1277}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia, `{{G1223}}`), meaning "through" or "across," and the verb πλέω (pleō, `{{G4126}}`), meaning "to sail" or "to navigate by water." Therefore, its core meaning is "to sail through" or "to sail across" a body of water. The prefix διά is crucial, as it emphasizes the completion of the passage, indicating that the journey traverses the entire expanse from one point to another, successfully reaching the opposite side or a designated destination after navigating the intervening waters. Its semantic range is quite specific and literal, referring exclusively to the act of traversing a body of water by means of a ship or boat. It implies a completed action of passage, not merely the act of being on the water or commencing a voyage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διαπλέω (diapléō, `{{G1277}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 27:5]]: "And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia."
This verse occurs within the detailed account of Paul's arduous journey as a prisoner from Caesarea to Rome. After departing from Adramyttium and sailing along the coasts of Asia Minor, the ship carrying Paul, Luke, and other prisoners and soldiers reaches a point where they must "sail over" (διαπλέω) the open waters adjacent to the regions of Cilicia and Pamphylia. This particular leg of the journey brings them to Myra, a significant port city in Lycia, where they subsequently transfer to another ship bound for Italy. The use of διαπλέω here is purely descriptive, highlighting the successful completion of this specific segment of their voyage. It marks a geographical milestone in their journey, underscoring the continuous progress of Paul towards his divinely appointed destination in Rome, despite the inherent dangers and challenges of ancient maritime travel. The word emphasizes the physical accomplishment of traversing the sea, a necessary step in the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for Paul's ministry and witness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding διαπλέω (diapléō, `{{G1277}}`) benefits from examining its constituent parts and related terms:
* διά (dia, `{{G1223}}`): This common preposition is fundamental to the meaning of διαπλέω, signifying passage "through" or "across," indicating the full traversal of a space.
* πλέω (pleō, `{{G4126}}`): The root verb for "to sail," it appears frequently in Acts (e.g., [[Acts 21:3]], [[Acts 27:1]], [[Acts 27:6]]) and other New Testament passages, denoting the general act of sea travel.
Other terms related to sea travel and navigation in the New Testament include:
* πλοῖον (ploion, `{{G4143}}`): The common word for "boat" or "ship," the vessel used for sailing.
* ναῦς (naus, `{{G3491}}`): Another term for "ship," often implying a larger vessel.
* ἀναπλέω (anapleō, `{{G395}}`): Meaning "to sail up" or "to put to sea."
* ἐκπλέω (ekpleō, `{{G1602}}`): Meaning "to sail out" or "to set sail from."
The broader concept of a "journey" (ὁδός, hodos, `{{G3598}}`) is also relevant, as sea travel was a primary mode of long-distance movement in the ancient Mediterranean world. In the biblical narrative, such journeys often serve as contexts for divine guidance, human perseverance, and the advancement of God's purposes, frequently amidst significant challenges.
### Theological Significance
Although διαπλέω (diapléō, `{{G1277}}`) occurs only once and describes a literal action, its single appearance within the divinely orchestrated narrative of Paul's journey to Rome carries subtle theological implications. The book of Acts consistently presents Paul's movements, even as a prisoner, as being under the direct providential hand of God. The act of "sailing over" the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia is not merely a trivial geographical detail but a necessary, successful step in the unfolding of God's plan to bring Paul to Rome to bear witness to Christ before the highest authorities ([[Acts 23:11]]).
The successful navigation implied by διαπλέω, even through potentially challenging waters, quietly underscores God's providential care over His servants and His purposes. While the subsequent, more perilous stages of the voyage are vividly described in Acts 27, this particular segment is completed without incident. It serves as a reminder that God's overarching plan will ultimately prevail, guiding His people through specific phases and challenges of their lives. For the believer, it can symbolize the assurance that God enables passage through particular, perhaps difficult, stages of life's spiritual pilgrimage, bringing one closer to the ultimate divine destination. It reinforces the truth that even seemingly mundane or physically demanding tasks, when undertaken in obedience to God's call, are integral parts of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative.
### Summary
The Greek verb διαπλέω (diapléō, `{{G1277}}`) precisely denotes "to sail through" or "to sail across" a body of water, emphasizing the completion of a maritime passage. Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Acts 27:5]], where it describes a specific, successful leg of Paul's journey to Rome, highlighting the traversal of the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia to reach Myra. This literal description of a journey segment, while brief, is significant within the broader narrative of Acts, underscoring the meticulous unfolding of God's providence in Paul's life. The word, though rare, contributes to the overarching theme of God's sovereign guidance over His servants and the advancement of His kingdom purposes, even through challenging circumstances and physical travels. It serves as a quiet testament to the fact that every "sailing over" brings His people closer to His intended divine destination.
TRV