### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **plóos**, represented by `{{G4144}}`, refers to a **sail** or **navigation**. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Based on its usage, it is translated as **course**, **sailing**, or **voyage**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4144}}` is used to describe literal sea travel. It marks the completion of a journey when the travelers **finished** `{{G1274}}` their **course** from Tyre [[Acts 21:7]]. The term is also central to the account of Paul's journey to Rome. The **sailing** `{{G4144}}` was deemed **dangerous** `{{G2000}}` because the time of "the fast" had passed [[Acts 27:9]]. Paul later warns that the **voyage** `{{G4144}}` would lead to great **damage** `{{G2209}}` and **hurt** `{{G5196}}`, not just to the ship and cargo, but to their lives as well [[Acts 27:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of a **voyage** `{{G4144}}`:
* `{{G4143}}` **ploîon** (vessel): This is the vessel used for navigation. A **voyage** `{{G4144}}` was predicted to bring damage to the **ship** and its lading [[Acts 27:10]].
* `{{G2000}}` **episphalḗs** (dangerous): This adjective describes the hazardous conditions of travel. In one instance, **sailing** `{{G4144}}` became **dangerous** because of the time of year [[Acts 27:9]].
* `{{G2209}}` **zēmía** (damage, loss): This term refers to the detriment or negative outcome of a journey. Paul foresaw that the **voyage** would end in much **damage** [[Acts 27:10]].
* `{{G5196}}` **hýbris** (harm, hurt): Used alongside **damage**, this word describes the injury that could result from a perilous **voyage** [[Acts 27:10]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{G4144}}` is a practical term for travel, its theological weight comes from the context of the voyages it describes.
* **Divine Providence:** The most detailed use of `{{G4144}}` is in the narrative of Paul's journey to Rome [[Acts 27:9-10]]. The dangerous **sailing** and predicted **voyage** with great loss sets the stage for God's miraculous preservation of all the lives on board, demonstrating His sovereignty over natural perils.
* **Fulfillment of Mission:** The **course** mentioned in [[Acts 21:7]] is part of a missionary journey, highlighting that such travels were the means by which the gospel was carried to different regions. The completion of a **course** represents a step forward in fulfilling the apostolic commission.
* **Test of Faith:** The warning about the **dangerous** `{{G2000}}` **sailing** and the impending **damage** `{{G2209}}` from the **voyage** serves as a test of faith for those with Paul. Paul's perception `{{G2334}}` and admonition `{{G3867}}` in the face of peril underscore his reliance on divine guidance [[Acts 27:9-10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4144}}` is a specific term for a sea **voyage**, **sailing**, or **course**. While its direct meaning is non-theological, its use in the book of Acts places it within critical narratives of missionary travel. It illustrates how an ordinary journey can become the setting for extraordinary demonstrations of faith, divine protection, and the advancement of God's purposes through His servants.
TRV