from ἐκ and πλέω; to depart by ship:--sail (away, thence).
Transliteration:ekpléō
Pronunciation:ek-pleh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1602}}` (ekpléō) is a compound word formed from the preposition `{{G1537}}` (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb `{{G4126}}` (pleō), meaning "to sail." Thus, its literal and primary meaning is "to sail out" or "to sail away from." The semantic range of `{{G1602}}` is quite specific, referring exclusively to the act of commencing a journey by ship, departing from a particular location. It implies the initial phase of a maritime voyage, moving from a port or coast into the open sea.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1602}}` appears three times in the New Testament, exclusively within the book of Acts, consistently in the context of Paul's missionary journeys:
* **[[Acts 18:18]]**: "καὶ ὁ Παῦλος ἔτι προσμείνας ἡμέρας ἱκανὰς τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ἀποταξάμενος ἐξέπλεῖ εἰς τὴν Συρίαν, καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ Πρίσκιλλα καὶ Ἀκύλας..." (And Paul, after staying many days longer, took leave of the brothers and sailed for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila...). Here, `{{G1602}}` describes Paul's planned departure from Cenchrea, marking the beginning of his journey back to Antioch after his second missionary journey. The act of "sailing away" signifies a deliberate, strategic movement in his apostolic work.
* **[[Acts 20:6]]**: "ἡμεῖς δὲ ἐξεπλεύσαμεν ἀπὸ Φιλίππων μετὰ τὰς ἡμέρας τῶν ἀζύμων, καὶ ἤλθομεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν Τρῳάδα ἄχρι ἡμερῶν πέντε..." (But we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas...). This verse records the departure of Paul and his companions from Philippi, resuming their journey towards Jerusalem. Again, `{{G1602}}` denotes a purposeful departure by sea as part of the ongoing missionary itinerary.
* **[[Acts 27:4]]**: "κἀκεῖθεν ἀναχθέντες ὑπεπλεύσαμεν τὴν Κύπρον διὰ τὸ τοὺς ἀνέμους εἶναι ἐναντίους." (And putting to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us.) In this instance, `{{G1602}}` describes the initial sailing from Sidon, but the context immediately shifts to the *direction* taken due to adverse winds. While still a departure, it highlights the challenges and adaptive nature of travel in the ancient world, often subject to natural forces.
In all occurrences, `{{G1602}}` functions as a straightforward descriptive verb, detailing the mode of transport and the initiation of a journey. Its usage underscores the practical realities of ancient travel, particularly for the apostles engaged in extensive missionary endeavors.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share a semantic field with `{{G1602}}`, all relating to maritime travel:
* `{{G4126}}` (pleō): The base verb, "to sail."
* `{{G606}}` (apopleō): "to sail away," very close in meaning and often interchangeable in context with `{{G1602}}`, emphasizing departure.
* `{{G321}}` (anapleō): "to sail up," or "to sail back."
* `{{G2622}}` (katapleō): "to sail down," or "to sail into port."
* `{{G1278}}` (diapleō): "to sail through" or "to sail across."
* `{{G4143}}` (ploion): "a boat, ship."
* `{{G4144}}` (plous): "a voyage, sailing."
* The consistent use of these terms in Acts highlights the significant role of sea travel in the expansion of the early Christian movement.
### Theological Significance
While `{{G1602}}` is a largely descriptive verb, its theological significance emerges from the narrative context in which it is found. In the book of Acts, "sailing away" (ekpléō) is intrinsically linked to the *missionary impulse* and the *spread of the Gospel*.
1. **Divine Providence in Apostolic Movement:** The journeys described using `{{G1602}}` are not random but are integral to God's plan for the evangelization of the world. Even the practical logistics of travel, including departures by sea, fall under divine orchestration, enabling the apostles to reach new regions.
2. **The Dynamic Nature of the Kingdom:** The repeated acts of "sailing away" symbolize the dynamic, expansive nature of the Kingdom of God. It is not static but constantly moving forward, breaking new ground, and extending its reach to "the ends of the earth" ([[Acts 1:8]]).
3. **Obedience and Perseverance in Ministry:** The act of "sailing away" often signifies an act of obedience to the Great Commission. Even when faced with challenges, as hinted in [[Acts 27:4]] with adverse winds, the apostles continued their journeys, demonstrating perseverance in their calling.
4. **Connecting the Early Church:** Maritime travel facilitated communication and connection between nascent Christian communities, contributing to the unity and growth of the early church.
Thus, `{{G1602}}`, though simple in its definition, points to the practical means by which God's redemptive purposes were fulfilled through the diligent and often arduous travels of His chosen messengers.
### Summary
`{{G1602}}` (ekpléō) precisely means "to sail out" or "to depart by ship." Its three occurrences in the New Testament, all in the book of Acts, consistently describe the initiation of Paul's missionary voyages. While a straightforward descriptive verb of movement, its repeated use underscores the vital role of sea travel in the early spread of the Gospel. Theologically, `{{G1602}}` symbolizes the dynamic, forward-moving nature of God's mission, the practical outworking of divine providence in apostolic endeavors, and the perseverance required to extend the Kingdom of God to new territories.
TRV