### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apopléō**, represented by `{{G636}}`, is a specific term that means **to set sail** or **sail away**. It is a compound word derived from ἀπό (implying separation) and πλέω (to sail). It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Acts to describe the physical act of departing by sea.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G636}}` is consistently used to mark the beginning of a sea voyage within the context of the apostles' missionary work. It describes Paul and his companions being "sent forth by the Holy Ghost" as they **sailed** to Cyprus to begin a new ministry outreach [[Acts 13:4]]. The word also chronicles the movement between mission fields, such as when they **sailed** from a location back to Antioch after they had fulfilled the work they were recommended for [[Acts 14:26]]. It is used to detail specific legs of a journey, as when they **sailed** from one port and eventually arrived at Miletus [[Acts 20:15]], and to describe the transport of prisoners, as when Paul was sent to **sail** into Italy [[Acts 27:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words provide context for the action of sailing away:
* `{{G1599}}` **ekpémpō** (to despatch:--send away (forth)): This word often precedes the act of sailing. In [[Acts 13:4]], the missionaries are first "sent forth" by the Holy Ghost before they "sailed" `{{G636}}`.
* `{{G2718}}` **katérchomai** (to come (or go) down (literally or figuratively):--come (down), depart, descend, go down, land): This term can describe the movement to a port city before departure. For example, they "departed" `{{G2718}}` to Seleucia, and from there they "sailed" `{{G636}}` to Cyprus [[Acts 13:4]]. It can also signify the end of a voyage when one has "landed" [[Acts 18:22]].
* `{{G3860}}` **paradídōmi** (to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit): This word highlights the purpose or authority behind the journey. Paul **sailed** `{{G636}}` for Italy after being "delivered" `{{G3860}}` to a centurion [[Acts 27:1]], and he and his companions **sailed** `{{G636}}` from a place where they had been "recommended" `{{G3860}}` to the grace of God [[Acts 14:26]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{G636}}` is a literal term, its significance is found in the context of the journeys it describes.
* **Missionary Commission:** The act of "sailing away" is the physical outworking of a divine command. The journey to Cyprus is explicitly initiated after being "sent forth by the Holy Ghost," making `{{G636}}` a verb of obedience to a heavenly mission [[Acts 13:4]].
* **Narrative Progression:** Each use of `{{G636}}` propels the story of the early church forward, marking a clear transition from one region or phase of ministry to another. It is the mechanism by which the gospel spreads from city to city across the sea.
* **Divine Providence:** The journeys are undertaken for different reasons, whether as free missionaries or as a prisoner. When Paul is "delivered" `{{G3860}}` to the authorities to "sail" `{{G636}}` to Italy, the action is under human control but serves God's ultimate purpose of bringing the gospel to Rome [[Acts 27:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G636}}` is a precise action word that means **to set sail**. Though it appears only a few times, its use in the book of Acts is critical to understanding the physical progression of the early Christian mission. It is not just a travel log entry but a marker of obedience, transition, and the sovereign hand of God guiding his messengers as they carry the gospel across the known world.
TRV