ἐκπλέω

I sail out, sail away

Definition

ἐκπλέω means to sail out or away from a harbor or port, emphasizing the act of departure by sea. In Acts 15:39, it describes Barnabas and Mark sailing away from Cyprus, marking a decisive separation in their missionary journey. In Acts 18:18, Paul sails out from Corinth, concluding his ministry there, while in Acts 20:6, it refers to Paul and his companions sailing from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, indicating a planned travel transition. The word consistently conveys intentional maritime departure, often following a period of ministry or residence.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears exclusively in the Book of Acts, all three times in narrative accounts of sea travel by early Christian missionaries. It is used to mark transitions between locations and phases of ministry, such as the departure of Barnabas and Mark in Acts 15:39, Paul leaving Corinth in Acts 18:18, and the team sailing from Philippi in Acts 20:6. The usage patterns highlight the itinerant nature of apostolic work and the importance of sea voyages in the spread of the gospel across the Roman Empire.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out of' or 'from,' combined with the verb πλέω (pleō), meaning 'to sail.' It literally means 'to sail out.' The compound emphasizes the point of origin or departure from a specific place, contrasting with simpler sailing verbs. Cognates include ἀνάπλεω (anapleō, to sail up) and κατάπλεω (katapleō, to sail down), which specify direction relative to a port.

Semantic Range

While ἐκπλέω itself is a mundane travel term, its usage in Acts carries theological weight by illustrating God's guidance in missionary movements. Each departure in Acts 15:39, 18:18, and 20:6 occurs under divine providence, even when involving conflict (as with Barnabas and Paul) or concluding fruitful ministry. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting how geographical transitions in Acts are not mere travelogues but part of the Spirit-directed expansion of the church, fulfilling the Great Commission (Acts 1:8).

In the first-century Roman world, sea travel was common but perilous, relying on seasonal winds and wooden ships. Sailing 'out' from a harbor like Corinth or Philippi involved waiting for favorable conditions and often signaled a significant commitment to a journey. Unlike modern travel, such departures could mean months or years before return, adding weight to the narratives in Acts. The term reflects the interconnectedness of the Mediterranean world through maritime routes, essential for the rapid spread of Christianity.

ἀποπλέω (apopleō, G636) — to sail away, often with a stronger sense of distancing or finality; πλέω (pleō, G4126) — to sail, a more general term without the emphasis on departure.

Word Details

Scripture References