παραλέγομαι

I coast along, sail along

Definition

παραλέγομαι means to sail along a coast, specifically to navigate by keeping land in sight rather than venturing into open sea. In Acts 27:8, it describes the ship cautiously moving along the southern coast of Crete, hugging the shore for safety. In Acts 27:13, the sailors, thinking conditions had improved, attempted to sail closer along the coast of Crete toward a more suitable harbor. The word emphasizes a mode of navigation that is careful, proximate to land, and contrasts with open-sea sailing.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only twice in the New Testament, both in Acts 27 during Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome. It describes the specific nautical tactic of coastal sailing. In Acts 27:8, it denotes the difficult, slow progress along the coast of Crete to a place called Fair Havens. In Acts 27:13, it is used when the crew, believing a gentle south wind had arisen, decided to attempt sailing closer along the coast toward Phoenix, a decision that leads to disaster.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition παρά (para), meaning 'beside, alongside,' and the verb λέγω (legō) in its middle/passive form λέγομαι (legomai), which in this context carries a sense of 'to lay a course' or 'to sail.' Thus, the compound literally means 'to sail alongside' or 'to coast along.' It is a specialized nautical term.

Semantic Range

While primarily a nautical term, its use in Acts 27 highlights themes of human judgment versus divine providence. The sailors' decision to 'coast along' (Acts 27:13) represents a calculated, seemingly prudent human plan that ultimately fails, setting the stage for God's intervention to save all aboard according to His promise to Paul (Acts 27:22-24). It subtly illustrates the limitation of human wisdom without divine guidance.

In the ancient Mediterranean, coastal sailing (παραλέγομαι) was a common and often safer method of navigation than open-water voyages. Ships stayed within sight of landmarks due to limited navigational technology, fear of storms, and the need for frequent stops for supplies. This practice makes the crew's decision in Acts 27:13 culturally understandable, even as it proves fateful against the powerful seasonal winds.

πλέω (pleō, G4126) — a general verb for 'to sail' or 'to travel by sea,' without the specific connotation of following a coastline.

Word Details

Scripture References