### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κολυμβάω (kolymbáō, `{{G2860}}`) carries the primary meaning "to swim" or "to plunge into water." Its etymological root is found in the noun κόλυμβος (kolymbos), which refers to "a diver" or "a swimming bird." This etymology underscores the active, deliberate, and often forceful nature of the movement in water. Unlike simply floating or being carried by currents, κολυμβάω implies an intentional exertion of effort to navigate through water. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing almost exclusively on this literal physical action of propelling oneself through a body of water. There is no clear evidence of a widespread figurative or metaphorical use of this specific term in ancient Greek literature, including the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κολυμβάω (kolymbáō, `{{G2860}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 27:43]]**: "But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and he commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land."
* This solitary occurrence is found within the dramatic narrative of Paul's shipwreck on his journey to Rome. The ship, caught in a violent storm, eventually runs aground, and the soldiers plan to kill the prisoners to prevent their escape. However, the centurion Julius, who had developed respect for Paul, intervenes. He commands those who possessed the skill of swimming (τοὺς δυναμένους κολυμβᾶν) to be the first to jump into the sea and reach the safety of the shore.
* In this context, κολυμβάω is used in its most literal and practical sense. It denotes a vital skill for survival in a perilous situation. The ability to swim is presented as a means of escape and preservation, highlighting human agency and physical capability in the face of imminent danger. The passage contrasts those who could swim with "the rest, some on planks and some on other articles from the ship" ([[Acts 27:44]]), emphasizing that swimming was a distinct and advantageous method of reaching safety. The word here serves to describe a specific action that contributes directly to the miraculous preservation of all lives on board, as prophesied by Paul ([[Acts 27:24]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
While κολυμβάω (kolymbáō, `{{G2860}}`) is unique in its New Testament occurrence, its context connects it to several broader biblical themes and related Greek terms:
* **Water and Sea**: The most obvious connection is to terms denoting bodies of water, such as θάλασσα (thalassa, `{{G2281}}`, "sea") and ὕδωρ (hydor, `{{G5204}}`, "water"). These are the environments in which swimming takes place, and they often symbolize chaos, danger, or separation in biblical narratives.
* **Salvation and Preservation**: The primary purpose of swimming in [[Acts 27:43]] is *survival*. This links κολυμβάω to verbs of saving or rescuing, such as σῴζω (sōzō, `{{G4982}}`, "to save, deliver, preserve") and διασῴζω (diasōzō, `{{G1295}}`, "to bring safely through, to save through"). Indeed, the entire episode of the shipwreck culminates in the διασῴζω of all 276 souls on board ([[Acts 27:44]]).
* **Human Agency and Divine Providence**: The act of swimming represents human effort and skill. This stands alongside, and does not negate, the overarching theme of divine providence and Paul's prophetic assurance of safety. The human action of swimming becomes a means through which God's promised preservation is realized.
* **Movement and Travel**: More generally, κολυμβάω relates to other verbs of movement and travel, particularly those indicating a journey through challenging terrain or circumstances.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular, literal occurrence, κολυμβάω (kolymbáō, `{{G2860}}`) does not carry a deep, intrinsic theological meaning in isolation. However, its contextual placement within the narrative of [[Acts 27]] offers several points of theological reflection:
1. **Divine Providence Through Natural Means**: The most significant theological insight is how God's sovereign plan of preservation unfolds through a combination of miraculous intervention and natural human capabilities. Paul had received a divine assurance that no life would be lost ([[Acts 27:24]]). Yet, the means by which this promise is fulfilled include the centurion's practical wisdom, the use of ship wreckage, and the specific skill of swimming. This illustrates a common biblical pattern where God uses human ingenuity, physical abilities, and natural processes to achieve His purposes, rather than relying solely on overt supernatural acts.
2. **The Value of Practical Skills in Ministry**: The ability to swim, though seemingly mundane, was crucial for survival in this critical moment. This subtly highlights that practical skills and human preparedness can be instruments in God's hands, even in the context of apostolic mission. Paul's journey to Rome, essential for the spread of the Gospel, depended on the survival of himself and his companions, facilitated in part by those who could swim.
3. **God's Faithfulness in Adversity**: The shipwreck narrative as a whole is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in dire circumstances. κολυμβάω is a small but integral part of the larger picture of divine protection amidst chaos, demonstrating that God's care extends to the practical details of human survival.
### Summary
The Greek word κολυμβάω (kolymbáō, `{{G2860}}`) precisely denotes the act "to swim" or "to plunge into water," emphasizing active, deliberate movement. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 27:43]] describes a literal, life-saving skill employed during Paul's shipwreck. In this context, κολυμβάω highlights human agency and practical ability as instruments within God's overarching plan of preservation. Though not bearing direct theological weight itself, its use underscores the biblical theme of divine providence working through natural means and human capabilities to ensure salvation and fulfill God's purposes, even in the face of extreme adversity.