### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epanágō**, represented by `{{G1877}}`, is defined as to lead up on, meaning to put out to sea or to return. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. This specific verb, formed from ἐπί and ἀνάγω, captures distinct actions of movement, either away from shore or back towards a destination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1877}}` is used in two main contexts. It describes the act of moving a boat from the shore into the water, as when Jesus **prayed** `{{G2065}}` Simon to **thrust out** a little from the land to teach the people [[Luke 5:3]]. This action is repeated when Jesus commands Simon to **Launch out** into the deep to let down the nets [[Luke 5:4]]. The word is also used intransitively to mean **return**, as when Jesus **returned** into the city in the morning [[Matthew 21:18]], setting the scene for the events that followed.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used in the immediate context of `{{G1877}}`, detailing the surrounding actions:
* `{{G1684}}` **embaínō** (to walk on, i.e. embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)): This word describes the action preceding the use of `{{G1877}}`, as Jesus **entered** into one of the ships before asking Simon to thrust out from the land [[Luke 5:3]].
* `{{G2523}}` **kathízō** (to seat down, i.e. set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)): After the boat was moved from the shore, Jesus **sat down** and taught the people from the ship, connecting the physical movement to His teaching ministry [[Luke 5:3]].
* `{{G5465}}` **chaláō** (to lower (as into a void)): This verb is commanded by Jesus in direct conjunction with `{{G1877}}`. After telling Simon to "Launch out," He instructs him to **let down** the nets, linking the two commands in a sequence that requires faith [[Luke 5:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1877}}` is seen in the contexts it establishes.
* **A Call to Deeper Faith:** The command to **Launch out** `{{G1877}}` into the deep signifies a call to move beyond the shallow and familiar. In Luke's account, it is an instruction from Jesus that tests Simon's obedience after a fruitless night of labor, leading directly to a miraculous display of divine power [[Luke 5:4]].
* **The Setting for Instruction:** The word is used to create a specific setting for Jesus's ministry. By having Simon **thrust out** `{{G1877}}` from the land, Jesus establishes the ship as a platform from which He **taught** `{{G1321}}` the people, illustrating His authority [[Luke 5:3]].
* **Transition to Divine Action:** The use of `{{G1877}}` often serves as a narrative transition. In Matthew, Jesus **returned** `{{G1877}}` to the city, an action that immediately precedes the account of him hungering and teaching through the parable of the fig tree [[Matthew 21:18]]. In Luke, the command to "Launch out" comes after He had **left** `{{G3973}}` speaking, marking a shift from teaching to a powerful demonstration.
### Summary
In summary, while used sparingly, `{{G1877}}` **epanágō** is a significant verb that marks pivotal moments of transition. Whether it describes the literal act of pushing a boat into the sea or returning to a city, it consistently precedes a demonstration of Jesus's divine authority, a call to faith, or a profound spiritual lesson. The word serves to move the narrative from a place of teaching or travel into a moment of divine action and revelation.
TRV