from a compound of ναῦς and ἄγω; to be shipwrecked (stranded, "navigate"), literally or figuratively:--make (suffer) shipwreck.
Transliteration:nauagéō
Pronunciation:now-ag-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ναυαγέω (nauagéō, `{{G3489}}`) is a compound verb derived from ναῦς (naus, "ship") and ἄγω (agō, "to lead, bring"). Its etymology inherently points to the literal meaning of a ship being "led astray," "driven ashore," or "brought to ruin." Therefore, its primary and most concrete meaning is "to suffer shipwreck," implying the destruction or stranding of a vessel. Beyond this literal sense, ναυαγέω extends its semantic range to a powerful figurative meaning: to suffer ruin, failure, or destruction in a spiritual or moral context. In this metaphorical application, it describes a catastrophic loss of faith, a departure from truth, or a complete spiritual collapse, much like a ship that is utterly broken apart by the sea.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ναυαγέω appears twice in the New Testament, each instance providing a distinct yet equally impactful illustration of its meaning:
1. **[[Acts 27:41]]**: Here, ναυαγέω is used in its literal sense to describe the physical shipwreck experienced by the Apostle Paul and his companions off the coast of Malta. The passage vividly recounts how their ship ran aground on a sandbar and began to break apart under the relentless force of the waves. This occurrence serves as a historical account of a maritime disaster, yet it is framed within a larger narrative of divine providence, demonstrating God's sovereign control even amidst extreme peril and His faithfulness in preserving the lives of those on board, as promised to Paul.
2. **[[1 Timothy 1:19]]**: In this instance, the word is employed entirely figuratively. Paul warns Timothy about individuals who have "made shipwreck concerning the faith" (τὴν πίστιν ἐναυάγησαν). This is a profound spiritual metaphor. Just as a ship is utterly destroyed and rendered useless by shipwreck, so too are the spiritual lives of those who, by rejecting a good conscience and sound doctrine, suffer complete ruin in their faith. It denotes a catastrophic spiritual failure, an abandonment of foundational Christian truth, leading to a state of spiritual devastation rather than a mere lapse or setback. The imagery powerfully conveys the finality and severity of such a spiritual collapse.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ναυαγέω is enriched by examining its connections to other related terms and concepts:
* **Lexical Relations:**
* ναῦς (naus, "ship"): The root noun from which ναυαγέω is partly derived, emphasizing the core concept of a vessel.
* πλοῖον (ploion, "boat, ship"): A more general term for a vessel, often found in contexts of sea travel.
* χειμών (cheimōn, "storm, tempest"): Frequently the causal agent of a shipwreck, linking the physical and metaphorical dangers.
* ἀπώλεια (apōleia, "destruction, ruin, perishing"): The ultimate outcome of both literal and figurative shipwreck, signifying complete loss.
* **Thematic Connections:**
* **Peril at Sea:** A recurring biblical motif, often used to symbolize life's trials and God's power over chaos (e.g., Jonah, the disciples in the storm on the Sea of Galilee).
* **Spiritual Apostasy/Falling Away:** The figurative use in [[1 Timothy 1:19]] directly addresses the danger of abandoning one's faith, a theme prevalent in the New Testament concerning perseverance.
* **Conscience:** [[1 Timothy 1:19]] explicitly links the shipwreck of faith to a rejection of a "good conscience," highlighting the moral dimension of spiritual integrity.
* **Sound Doctrine:** The implicit antithesis to what leads to spiritual shipwreck; adherence to truth protects against spiritual ruin.
### Theological Significance
The dual application of ναυαγέω holds profound theological significance.
In its literal use in **[[Acts 27]]**, the shipwreck serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign control over creation and His meticulous providence over the lives of His servants. Despite the complete destruction of the ship, God ensures that not a single life is lost, fulfilling His promise to Paul. This narrative underscores divine preservation amidst chaos and the reliability of God's word, even when circumstances appear dire. It illustrates that physical calamity does not necessarily equate to ultimate defeat when God's purposes are at play.
In its figurative use in **[[1 Timothy 1:19]]**, ναυαγέω delivers a stark and urgent theological warning. It emphasizes the active role of individuals in maintaining their spiritual integrity and the dire consequences of failing to do so. To "make shipwreck concerning the faith" is not merely a passive drifting away or a minor stumble; it represents a deliberate and devastating rejection of foundational truths and a good conscience, leading to complete spiritual ruin. This warns against the dangers of doctrinal error, moral compromise, and the active suppression of truth, asserting that such actions can lead to a complete and irreversible loss of one's spiritual standing, akin to a ship that is utterly broken and submerged. It highlights the preciousness and fragility of faith when not diligently guarded and anchored in truth.
### Summary
The Greek word ναυαγέω (nauagéō, `{{G3489}}`), meaning "to be shipwrecked," offers a rich tapestry of meaning in the New Testament. Its etymological roots in "ship" and "to lead" point to both literal maritime disaster and profound spiritual failure. In [[Acts 27:41]], it vividly describes the physical shipwreck of Paul's vessel, serving as a historical account that simultaneously underscores God's providential care and preservation amidst extreme peril. Conversely, in [[1 Timothy 1:19]], the term is employed as a powerful metaphor for spiritual catastrophe: individuals who, by rejecting a good conscience and sound faith, suffer utter ruin in their spiritual lives, analogous to a ship completely breaking apart beyond repair. This dual usage dramatically illustrates the Bible's capacity to transform tangible experiences into profound spiritual warnings, emphasizing the critical importance of steadfast faith, moral integrity, and adherence to truth to avoid a devastating spiritual wreck.
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