from πλέω; a sail, i.e. navigation:--course, sailing, voyage.
Transliteration:plóos
Pronunciation:plo'-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πλόος (ploos) `{{G4144}}` is derived from the verb πλέω (pleō), meaning "to sail." Its core meaning refers to the act of sailing, a voyage, or a journey by sea. It encompasses the entire process and duration of maritime travel. The semantic range of πλόος primarily denotes the "course" or "voyage" itself, as an identifiable segment of travel, rather than the vessel or the mere act of sailing in general. It signifies the complete undertaking of a sea journey, from departure to arrival, or a defined portion thereof.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πλόος `{{G4144}}` appears only three times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Book of Acts, a historical narrative rich in travel accounts, particularly those of the Apostle Paul. Its limited usage highlights its specific application to maritime journeys.
* **[[Acts 21:7]]**: "And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day." Here, πλόος clearly denotes a completed segment of Paul's third missionary journey. The context is a direct, successful sea passage from one port to another, marking an arrival point. The emphasis is on the conclusion of a specific leg of the journey.
* **[[Acts 27:9]]**: "When much time had been spent, and the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them..." This instance occurs during Paul's perilous journey as a prisoner to Rome. πλόος here refers to the ongoing, highly challenging sea journey. The reference to "the Fast" (Yom Kippur) indicates the lateness of the season, making further navigation extremely hazardous. The term underscores the inherent risk and difficulty associated with the maritime undertaking at that particular time.
* **[[Acts 27:10]]**: "...'Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.'" Paul's prophetic warning directly concerns the πλόος – the continuation of the sea journey from Fair Havens. He foresees comprehensive disaster for the entire "voyage," encompassing the material aspects (ship, cargo) and, crucially, human lives. This usage emphasizes the holistic nature of the term, referring to the entire maritime enterprise and its potential consequences.
In all three contexts, πλόος refers to a distinct sea journey, often highlighting its completion, the challenges encountered, or the impending dangers inherent in the undertaking. It is a precise term used to describe the realities of ancient seafaring.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** πλέω (pleō) - "to sail" (the action). πλόος is the direct noun form, denoting the "sailing" or "voyage" itself.
* **Ship:** πλοῖον (ploion) `{{G4143}}` - "a boat, a ship." The vessel essential for any πλόος. The voyage (πλόος) is undertaken *in* a ship (πλοῖον).
* **Sea/Ocean:** θάλασσα (thalassa) `{{G2281}}` - The natural environment through which a πλόος takes place.
* **Journey/Way:** ὁδός (hodos) `{{G3598}}` - A broader term for a journey or road, which can include land travel. πλόος is a specific type of ὁδός conducted by sea.
* **Navigation/Seamanship:** The skills and knowledge required to successfully complete a πλόος. The narrative in Acts 27 highlights the tension between human navigational expertise and divine guidance.
* **Storm/Tempest:** θύελλα (thyella) `{{G2366}}`, χειμών (cheimōn) `{{G5494}}` - Natural phenomena that directly impact the safety and outcome of a πλόος, often leading to shipwreck, as vividly portrayed in Acts 27.
### Theological Significance
While πλόος itself is a technical term describing a physical act, its specific employment within the narrative of Acts carries profound theological implications, particularly concerning divine providence and human experience.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Circumstance:** The perilous voyages described, especially Paul's πλόος to Rome, serve as powerful demonstrations of God's sovereign control over natural forces and human affairs. Despite the extreme danger and the advice of experienced sailors, God's purpose for Paul to bear witness in Rome ([[Acts 23:11]]) ensured his survival and the safety of all on board ([[Acts 27:23-24]]). The πλόος becomes a stage for showcasing God's power and faithfulness.
* **The Apostle's Suffering and Witness:** Paul's difficult journeys, including those described as πλόος, are integral to his apostolic calling and ministry. They underscore the hardships and perils endured in the proclamation of the Gospel. The "voyage" itself can be seen as a metaphor for the challenging and often dangerous path of Christian discipleship and mission.
* **Trust in God Amidst Peril:** The narrative surrounding the πλόος in Acts 27 highlights the theme of trusting God's word and guidance, even when human wisdom, experience, and natural circumstances dictate otherwise. Paul's divinely inspired counsel stands in stark contrast to the human assessment of the pilot and shipowner, demonstrating the ultimate reliability of divine revelation.
* **God's Preservation for His Purpose:** The successful completion of the πλόος in [[Acts 21:7]] and, more dramatically, the preservation of all lives during the disastrous πλόος in [[Acts 27]] illustrate God's faithfulness in protecting His servants and ensuring the fulfillment of His divine plans. Even in the face of shipwreck and loss, God's overarching purpose for the πλόος is achieved.
### Summary
The Greek term πλόος (ploos) `{{G4144}}` denotes a "voyage" or "sailing," specifically referring to the act or course of a journey by sea. Its three occurrences in the New Testament, all within the Book of Acts, provide precise context for its meaning. In [[Acts 21:7]], it signifies a completed leg of a journey. In [[Acts 27:9]] and [[Acts 27:10]], it vividly describes the perilous ongoing voyage to Rome, emphasizing its duration, inherent dangers, and the comprehensive nature of the maritime undertaking. While a straightforward descriptive term, its usage in Acts transcends mere navigation, becoming a narrative vehicle to illustrate profound theological truths. The πλόος serves as a powerful backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereign control over circumstances, the realities of apostolic suffering, the imperative of trusting divine guidance amidst peril, and God's miraculous preservation of His servants for the advancement of His redemptive purposes. It reminds the reader that even the most challenging or seemingly mundane human journeys are under the watchful eye and providential hand of God.
TRV