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 verb ἐμβαίνω (G1684), transliterated as embaínō, is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "into," and the base of βάσις (basis), related to βαίνω (bainō), meaning "to go" or "to walk." Literally, it conveys the action of "to step in" or "to go into." Its primary semantic range in the New Testament extends to two main scenarios:
1. **Embarkation:** Most frequently, it describes the act of stepping into or getting aboard a vessel, such as a boat or ship. This usage implies a deliberate movement from land to water transport.
2. **Entry into Water:** Less commonly, it can refer to stepping into a body of water, such as a pool.
The core meaning thus emphasizes a decisive act of entry, often involving physical movement by foot, into a contained space or medium, typically for the purpose of travel or engagement with that environment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb embaínō appears predominantly in the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John, particularly in narratives involving Jesus and His disciples traveling across the Sea of Galilee by boat. Its usage consistently marks a significant transition or a prelude to a new phase of ministry or a notable event.
Examples of its use in relation to boats include:
* [[Matthew 8:23]]: "And when he embaínō into a boat, his disciples followed him." This immediately precedes the calming of the storm, highlighting Jesus' authority over creation.
* [[Matthew 13:2]]: "And he embaínō into a boat and sat down, and all the crowd stood on the beach." Here, entering the boat serves as a platform for Jesus' extensive parabolic teaching to the multitudes.
* [[Mark 4:1]]: Similar to Matthew, Jesus embaínō into a boat to teach by the sea.
* [[Mark 6:45]]: Jesus "made his disciples embaínō into the boat and go before him to the other side." This command leads to their struggle against the wind and Jesus walking on water.
* [[Luke 5:3]]: Jesus "having embaínō into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land." This setting precedes the miraculous catch of fish and the calling of Peter, James, and John.
* [[John 6:17]]: The disciples "having embaínō into a boat, they were going across the sea to Capernaum." This occurs after the feeding of the five thousand, and they encounter a storm without Jesus initially present.
* [[John 6:24]]: The crowds, realizing Jesus was not there, "they themselves embaínō into the boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus." This demonstrates the people's active pursuit of Jesus.
The less common usage, referring to stepping into a pool, is found in [[John 5:4]] concerning the Pool of Bethesda, though this verse is often noted by textual critics as a later scribal addition. Nevertheless, it illustrates the broader semantic potential of embaínō for entering a body of water.
Contextually, embaínō often signals:
* **A Shift in Setting or Activity:** From land-based teaching or healing to water-based travel and subsequent ministry on the other side.
* **Divine Initiative:** Often, Jesus Himself embaínō into the boat or commands His disciples to do so, indicating a purposeful movement guided by His will.
* **Discipleship and Obedience:** The disciples' act of embaínō frequently signifies their following Jesus' command or example, entering into His journey and mission.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of embaínō is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek words and broader biblical concepts:
* **βαίνω (bainō) `{{G939}}`**: The root verb meaning "to go" or "to walk." embaínō specifies the direction ("into") of this movement.
* **εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai) `{{G1525}}`**: Meaning "to come in" or "to enter," this is a more general term for entry into various places (houses, cities, states of being). While embaínō is specific to boats or water, eiserchomai has a broader application.
* **ἀναβαίνω (anabainō) `{{G305}}`**: Meaning "to go up" or "ascend." This contrasts with the horizontal or "into" movement of embaínō.
* **ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai) `{{G1831}}`**: Meaning "to go out" or "exit." This serves as the direct antonym to embaínō in terms of directional movement.
* **Concepts:**
* **Journey and Transition:** The act of embaínō often marks a transition from one phase or location to another in Jesus' ministry.
* **Embarkation:** The literal act of getting into a boat, symbolizing a departure from the familiar and an entry into a new mode of travel or experience.
* **Proximity and Intimacy:** Entering the same boat with Jesus implies a shared space and experience, fostering intimacy between the Lord and His disciples.
### Theological Significance
The seemingly simple act of "stepping into" or "embarking" carries significant theological weight in the Gospel narratives:
* **The Call to Discipleship and Separation:** To embaínō into the boat with Jesus often implies leaving the "shore" – the familiar, the crowds, the world – to follow Him into a new, often challenging, environment. It symbolizes a commitment to discipleship, a willingness to be set apart with Christ.
* **The Church as a Vessel:** The boat itself frequently serves as a powerful metaphor for the community of believers, the Church. Entering the boat with Jesus signifies entering into the fellowship of His followers, where His presence is central to their journey and safety.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Obedience:** Jesus often initiates the act of embaínō, either by entering Himself or commanding His disciples to do so. This highlights His sovereign direction over their movements and ministry. The disciples' embaínō is an act of obedience and trust in His leadership, even when the destination or the journey itself is fraught with peril (e.g., storms).
* **Missionary Expansion:** The frequent crossing of the Sea of Galilee by boat often signifies movement from one region to another, sometimes from Jewish to Gentile territories. Thus, embaínō can subtly represent the expansion of the Gospel's reach and the breaking down of geographical and cultural barriers.
* **Dependence on Christ:** Narratives where the disciples embaínō into the boat without Jesus (e.g., [[John 6:17]]) often lead to difficulty and distress until He joins them. This underscores the profound necessity of Christ's constant presence and authority for the journey of faith and ministry to be successful and secure.
### Summary
Embaínō (G1684) is a Greek verb meaning "to step into" or "to enter," primarily used in the New Testament to describe embarking onto a vessel or stepping into water. Its frequent appearance in the Gospels, particularly in narratives involving Jesus and His disciples traveling by boat, imbues it with rich theological significance. Beyond its literal meaning, embaínō symbolizes the call to discipleship, the journey of faith within the community of believers (the "boat" of the Church), and the active participation in Christ's mission. It powerfully illustrates themes of divine initiative, human obedience, the expansion of the Gospel, and the essential dependence of believers upon the presence and authority of Jesus Christ for their spiritual journey and ministry. The simple act of entry thus becomes a profound indicator of commitment, transition, and reliance on the Lord.
TRV