ἐμβαίνω

embaínō /em-ba'-hee-no/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἐν and the base of βάσις
Meaningto walk on, i.e. embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
KJV usagecome (get) into, enter (into), go (up) into, step in, take ship.
Copy as

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.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 20 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 6×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 3×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Dative Singular Masculine 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Dative
The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 18 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Matthew (6 verses).

6
Matthew
5
Mark
3
Luke
4
John

Verse Explorer

Select a verse to begin.