### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4126 (πλέω, *pléō*) fundamentally denotes the act of "to sail" or "to pass in a vessel." Its base definition indicates movement across water by means of a boat or ship. The etymological note provided suggests a connection to G4150 (πλύνω, *plýnō*), meaning "to wash" or "to plunge," implying the idea of a vessel "plunging through the water." A further suggested connection to G4130 (πλήθω, *plḗthō*), "to fill" or "to be full," might subtly evoke the image of sails being filled with wind, or the vessel itself being filled with passengers or cargo. In essence, πλέω describes the specific action of maritime travel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb πλέω appears sparingly in the New Testament, primarily in narrative contexts describing literal sea voyages. Its occurrences are found in the Gospels and the book of Acts, consistently referring to the physical act of sailing:
* **[[Luke 8:23]]**: "But as they sailed, He fell asleep..." Here, the disciples and Jesus are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee when a storm arises, highlighting the immediate context of their journey and the sudden peril.
* **[[Acts 20:6]]**: "...we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread..." This describes Paul and his companions embarking on a leg of their missionary journey, indicating purposeful travel by sea as a means of reaching new destinations for ministry.
* **[[Acts 27:1]]**: "And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy..." This verse marks the beginning of Paul's momentous journey to Rome as a prisoner, a voyage fraught with danger and divine intervention. The term here simply states the decision to undertake the sea journey.
* **[[Acts 27:6]]**: "And there the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy..." In this instance, πλέω describes the destination-oriented nature of the ship, emphasizing that it was already on a course for Italy, which Paul and his companions then boarded.
In all these contexts, πλέω is used literally to describe the movement of a vessel across water, serving as a backdrop for significant events in the lives of Jesus and the apostles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding πλέω includes several related terms that further illuminate its meaning and usage:
* **G4143 (πλοῖον, *ploion*)**: This noun means "boat" or "ship," referring to the vessel itself that performs the action of πλέω. It is the instrument by which one "sails."
* **G4144 (πλοῦς, *plous*)**: This is the noun form of πλέω, meaning "a voyage" or "sailing" (e.g., [[Acts 27:9]] "the voyage was now dangerous"). It denotes the act or journey itself.
* **G321 (ἀνάγομαι, *anagomai*)**: Often translated as "to put to sea" or "to set sail," this verb describes the commencement of a sea journey, closely related to the initiation of πλέω.
* **Compound Verbs**: The root πλέω forms the basis for several compound verbs that specify the direction or manner of sailing:
* G622 (ἀποπλέω, *apopléō*): "to sail away from."
* G1278 (διαπλέω, *diapléō*): "to sail through."
* G4025 (περιπλέω, *peripléō*): "to sail around."
* G5288 (ὑποπλέω, *hypopléō*): "to sail under the lee of."
These compounds demonstrate the versatility of the base verb in describing various aspects of maritime navigation. Concepts related to πλέω include travel, journey, mission, and the perils associated with ancient sea voyages.
### Theological Significance
While πλέω itself is a descriptive verb of motion, its occurrences in the biblical narrative carry implicit theological weight. The act of sailing often serves as a setting where divine providence and human vulnerability are powerfully displayed.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Circumstance**: In narratives such as the storm on the Sea of Galilee ([[Luke 8:23]]), the act of "sailing" becomes the context for demonstrating Christ's authority over creation. Similarly, Paul's perilous journey to Rome, initiated by the decision to "sail" ([[Acts 27:1]]), is ultimately guided by God's sovereign plan for Paul to testify in the imperial capital, despite the dangers of the sea.
* **The Journey of Faith**: Though not explicitly a metaphor in the New Testament, the act of sailing can implicitly symbolize the Christian life as a journey. Believers "sail" through life's challenges, relying on divine guidance and protection, much like ancient mariners depended on the winds and stars. The inherent risks of ancient sea travel underscore the need for faith and trust in God's leading, especially when navigating uncertain or perilous circumstances.
* **Means to an End in Ministry**: For Paul, sailing was a practical means of fulfilling his missionary calling. The act of "sailing" facilitated the spread of the Gospel to new regions, thus connecting this mundane activity to the grander purposes of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
G4126 (πλέω, *pléō*) is a Greek verb meaning "to sail" or "to pass in a vessel." It is used literally in the New Testament, primarily in Luke and Acts, to describe sea travel undertaken by Jesus and His disciples, and especially by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys and his voyage to Rome. While a descriptive term, its usage often frames narratives that highlight divine providence, human reliance on God amidst vulnerability, and the practical means by which the Gospel was advanced. It is closely associated with nouns like G4143 (ship) and G4144 (voyage), and compound verbs that specify the direction of sailing.
TRV