from ἐν and (to mount; causative of ἐμβαίνω); to place on, i.e. transfer (aboard a vessel):--put in.
Transliteration:embibázō
Pronunciation:em-bib-ad'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1688}}` (embibázō) is derived from the preposition ἐν (en, "in" or "into") and βιβάζω (bibazō), which is related to βαίνω (bainō, "to go" or "to step"). The base definition provided indicates its causative nature: it means "to cause to go in," "to place on," or "to put in." Specifically, the definition notes its application to "transfer (aboard a vessel)." Thus, its core semantic range centers on the act of placing or moving someone or something *into* an enclosed space, particularly a mode of transport like a ship. It is the causative form of `{{G1747}}` (embainō), which means "to step into" or "to embark." While `{{G1747}}` describes the act of entering, `{{G1688}}` describes the act of facilitating or causing that entry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1688}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 27:6]]**: "And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein." (καὶ ἐκεῖ εὑρὼν ὁ ἑκατοντάρχης πλοῖον Ἀλεξανδρινὸν πλέον εἰς τὴν Ἰταλίαν ἐνεβίβασεν ἡμᾶς εἰς αὐτό.)
In this sole occurrence, the word is used in a very literal and practical sense. Paul, a prisoner, is being transported to Rome under the custody of a Roman centurion named Julius. After disembarking from an Adramyttian ship at Myra, the centurion "put us" (ἐνεβίβασεν ἡμᾶς) onto an Alexandrian grain ship bound for Italy. The context is one of logistical transfer and the exercise of authority. The centurion, as the one in charge, actively directs the placement of Paul and his companions onto the new vessel. This single usage perfectly aligns with the core meaning of "to cause to go in" or "to put in," specifically related to boarding a ship. It underscores the mundane yet essential actions involved in travel, even for those on a divinely appointed mission.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted in its etymology, `{{G1688}}` is directly related to `{{G1747}}` (embainō), which means "to step in" or "to embark." While `{{G1747}}` describes the subject's action of entering (e.g., Jesus embainō into a boat), `{{G1688}}` describes the action of an agent causing someone or something else to enter. This distinction highlights the causative aspect of `{{G1688}}`. Other related concepts include:
* **Travel and Journeys:** The word inherently points to movement and transportation, particularly by sea.
* **Authority and Direction:** In [[Acts 27:6]], the centurion's action of "putting" them on the ship demonstrates his authority and control over the prisoners' movement.
* **Logistics and Practicality:** The term highlights the practical arrangements necessary for travel and the execution of a journey.
* **Transfer and Transition:** It speaks to the act of moving from one state or place to another, in this case, from one ship to another.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular, literal occurrence, `{{G1688}}` offers subtle theological insights when viewed within the broader narrative of Paul's journey to Rome.
1. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Logistics:** The word describes a seemingly ordinary act of transfer, yet this act was crucial for Paul's divinely ordained mission to reach Rome and bear witness to Christ before Caesar ([[Acts 23:11]]). It illustrates how God's sovereign plan often unfolds through the practical, even mundane, actions of human agents, whether they are believers or not (like the centurion).
2. **Being "Placed" by God:** While the word literally refers to being placed *on a ship*, it can metaphorically resonate with the concept of being "placed" by God into specific circumstances or ministries. Paul's imprisonment and subsequent journey were not accidental but part of God's strategic placement for the furtherance of the Gospel. The centurion's act of "putting" Paul on the ship was, in a deeper sense, God's providential hand guiding His servant.
3. **The Practicality of God's Work:** The word reminds us that spiritual endeavors are often intertwined with physical realities and logistical necessities. God works through the tangible and the practical, using human efforts and means to achieve His redemptive purposes.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G1688}}` (embibázō) carries the core meaning "to cause to go in" or "to put in," specifically implying the act of placing someone or something aboard a vessel. As the causative form of `{{G1747}}` (embainō), it emphasizes the agent's role in facilitating entry. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 27:6]] vividly portrays the Roman centurion "putting" Paul and his companions onto a new ship for their journey to Italy. While a word describing a practical, logistical action, its presence in the narrative of Paul's divinely guided journey subtly underscores the interplay of human agency and divine providence, demonstrating how even ordinary acts are woven into the fabric of God's overarching plan for His people and the spread of His Gospel.
TRV