from ἐν and the base of βάσις; to walk on, i.e. embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool):--come (get) into, enter (into), go (up) into, step in, take ship.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **embaínō**, represented by `{{G1684}}`, means to walk on, embark, or enter. It appears **18 times** across **18 unique verses** in the Bible. Its primary application is to **embark** aboard a vessel, but it is also used to describe the act of reaching or stepping into a pool. The various translations include to come into, get into, enter, go up into, step in, and take ship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1684}}` is overwhelmingly used to describe the physical act of boarding a ship, a frequent action in the ministry of Jesus and his disciples. For example, after teaching great multitudes by the shore, Jesus **went** into a ship and sat [[Matthew 13:2]]. In another instance, he constrained his disciples to **get** into a ship to go before him to the other side [[Matthew 14:22]]. A notable alternative use is found in the account of the pool of Bethesda, where an angel would trouble the water, and the first person to **stepped in** afterward would be healed [[John 5:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide further context for the action of entering and moving:
* `{{G1276}}` **diaperáō** (to cross entirely): This word often describes the purpose for which one would use `{{G1684}}`. After Jesus **entered** into a ship, he then **passed over** to his own city [[Matthew 9:1]].
* `{{G1877}}` **epanágō** (to lead up on, i.e. (technical) to put out (to sea)): This describes the action taken immediately after embarking. Jesus **entered** into one of the ships and prayed that Simon would **thrust out** a little from the land [[Luke 5:3]].
* `{{G2597}}` **katabaínō** (to descend): In the context of the pool of Bethesda, this word is used for the angel who **went down** into the pool, which then prompted the sick to seek healing by having one **stepped in** [[John 5:4]].
* `{{G4897}}` **syneisérchomai** (to enter in company with): This highlights the communal nature of embarking. It is noted that Jesus did not **go with** his disciples into the boat at the same time they **entered** [[John 6:22]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G1684}}` carries significant narrative weight, often marking a transition or a precursor to a major event.
* **Facilitating Ministry:** Embarking on a ship is the primary means by which Jesus and his disciples travel to new regions to teach and minister, such as when He commanded them, "Let us go over unto the other side of the lake" [[Luke 8:22]].
* **Demonstrating Authority:** The act of entering a ship frequently precedes a demonstration of Christ's power. After they **entered** a ship, a tempest arose, which Jesus would later calm [[Matthew 8:23]]. Similarly, when they **were come** into the ship, the wind ceased [[Matthew 14:32]].
* **An Act of Faith or Seeking:** In the case of the pool, to **stepped in** is the decisive action required to receive healing [[John 5:4]]. The crowds also **took** shipping as a deliberate act of seeking for Jesus [[John 6:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1684}}` is a word of action and transition. While most often denoting the simple act of getting into a boat, it is a crucial narrative device in the Gospels. The act of entering a ship or stepping into a pool is never insignificant; it consistently serves as the catalyst for teaching, travel, miracles, or a demonstration of faith, moving the biblical account forward into the next display of divine purpose.
TRV