### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1877 (epanágō) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "to," and the verb ἀνάγω (anágō), meaning "to lead up," "bring up," or "put to sea" (`{{G321}}`). This etymological foundation gives G1877 a dual semantic range, encompassing both a literal nautical sense and a more general meaning of movement or return.
The primary definitions include:
1. **To lead up on/out:** This is the transitive sense, particularly used in a nautical context to mean "to launch out," "to put out to sea," or "to thrust out" a vessel from the shore into deeper waters. The ἐπί prefix here emphasizes movement *upon* the water or *to* a specific point on the water.
2. **To return/go back:** This is the intransitive sense, signifying a movement back to a previous place or a specific direction of travel, often implying setting out or proceeding towards a destination. While "return" is part of the base definition, in context, it can also simply mean "to go" or "to set out for" a particular location with intent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1877 appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illustrating one of its distinct semantic applications:
* **[[Luke 5:3]]**: "And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship."
* Here, epanágō is translated as "thrust out" (KJV) or "put out" (ESV, NASB). This usage perfectly exemplifies the nautical sense of the word. Jesus instructs Simon Peter to move his boat a short distance from the shore into the water so that He might teach the crowds more effectively. The verb denotes a deliberate act of propelling the boat outwards. This sets the stage for the miraculous catch of fish that follows, where Jesus later commands them to "launch out into the deep" (εἰς τὸ βάθος ἐπανάγαγε - G1877 again, implicitly, through the command to move further). The initial "thrusting out" is a prerequisite for the later, more significant "launching into the deep."
* **[[Romans 15:25]]**: "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints."
* In this context, epanágō is translated as "I go" (KJV, ESV, NASB) or "I am on my way" (NIV). This usage aligns with the intransitive sense of "to return" or, more broadly, "to set out for" or "to proceed to" a destination. Paul is not physically "returning" to Jerusalem in the sense of having just left it, but rather he is setting his course and commencing a purposeful journey *to* Jerusalem. The verb here conveys a sense of determined movement towards a specific objective, which for Paul was to deliver the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem. It underscores the intentionality and direction of his apostolic travel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G1877 is enriched by considering its constituent parts and related terms:
* **ἀνάγω (anágō)** `{{G321}}`: This is the root verb, meaning "to lead up," "to bring up," "to put to sea," or "to set sail." It often carries a sense of elevation or movement from a lower to a higher place, or from land to sea. The prefix ἐπί in G1877 specifies the direction or destination of this "leading up" or "setting out."
* **ἐπί (epi)** `{{G1909}}`: The preposition ἐπί is highly versatile, indicating position ("upon," "on"), direction ("to," "towards"), or time ("at," "during"). In epanágō, it primarily conveys direction or the surface upon which action occurs (e.g., "upon the sea," "towards a destination").
* **Concepts of Journey and Mission**: Both occurrences of G1877 are intrinsically linked to concepts of journey, mission, and divine purpose. In [[Luke 5:3]], it's the beginning of a physical movement that leads to a spiritual revelation and a call to discipleship. In [[Romans 15:25]], it describes Paul's divinely directed apostolic journey, central to his mission.
* **Obedience and Trust**: Particularly in Luke's account, the command to "launch out" implies an act of obedience and trust in Jesus' word, despite Peter's professional experience suggesting otherwise.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of G1877 carry significant theological weight, particularly in their respective narratives:
* **The Call to Deeper Engagement (Luke 5:3)**: The command to "thrust out a little" and later implicitly to "launch out into the deep" (εἰς τὸ βάθος ἐπανάγαγε) is more than a mere nautical instruction. It symbolizes a call to move beyond the familiar and comfortable shores of human understanding and experience into the unknown depths where God's power and provision are revealed. Peter's initial obedience, even to a seemingly futile instruction, leads to the miraculous catch, signifying the abundant blessings that flow from trusting Christ's word over human wisdom. This act of "launching out" becomes a metaphor for radical discipleship, venturing into spiritual depths to "catch men" for the Kingdom. It underscores the principle that divine success often requires stepping out in faith beyond conventional limits.
* **Purposeful Apostolic Mission (Romans 15:25)**: Paul's use of epanágō to describe his journey to Jerusalem highlights the intentionality and divine direction of his apostolic mission. His "going" is not casual but a purposeful undertaking, driven by a commitment to minister to the saints and to deliver the collection. This journey, though fraught with peril (as subsequent events reveal), was a crucial step in God's redemptive plan, ultimately leading Paul to Rome and the further spread of the Gospel. The verb conveys a sense of divine appointment and the unwavering resolve of an apostle dedicated to fulfilling his commission, even when it involves hardship or danger. It speaks to the purposeful nature of God's work through His chosen instruments.
### Summary
The Greek verb G1877 (epanágō) encapsulates two primary meanings: "to launch out" (especially to sea) and "to return" or "to set out for." Its etymology from ἐπί and ἀνάγω underscores movement "upon" or "towards" a destination. In [[Luke 5:3]], it vividly describes Jesus' instruction to Peter to "thrust out" his boat from the shore, setting the scene for the miraculous catch and symbolizing the call to venture into deeper faith. In [[Romans 15:25]], it portrays Paul's determined "going" to Jerusalem, emphasizing the purposeful and divinely guided nature of his apostolic mission. Both instances of G1877 are rich in theological significance, speaking to themes of obedient discipleship, divine provision, and the intentionality of God's work through human agents.
TRV