ἀποβαίνω (apobainō)
apobainō
to get out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apobainō literally means to step off or disembark, describing the physical act of leaving a vessel or elevated place. This concrete sense appears in the Gospels when Jesus and his followers arrive by boat, such as in Luke 5:2 and John 21:9, where the characters physically step onto land after their journey on the water.
Beyond this literal usage, the word carries a metaphorical weight, meaning to turn out or result. In Philippians 1:19, Paul uses it to describe how his imprisonment will ultimately end or issue forth, framing his situation not as a failure but as an outcome that contributes to the spread of the gospel. This shift from physical departure to final result highlights how the word captures the conclusion of a process.
Its root combines apo (meaning "from" or "away") with bainō (to go or step), emphasizing movement away from a starting point toward a specific end. Translators often render this as "come out" or "turn out," depending on whether the context is physical or situational. The word’s flexibility allows it to bridge the gap between immediate action and long-term consequence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word apobainō captures the simple act of stepping off a boat or leaving a vehicle. In the Gospels, it describes the physical moment when Jesus and his disciples arrive at shore, such as in Luke 5:2 where fishermen wash their nets after getting out of their boats. This concrete image reminds us that every journey has a destination, and sometimes we must leave our place of comfort to step onto new ground.
Beyond physical movement, the word also means to turn out or result. Paul uses this sense in Philippians 1:19, expressing confidence that his imprisonment will ultimately lead to salvation for himself through the prayers of others. This usage shows that God can bring good outcomes from difficult circumstances. It encourages us to trust that our current struggles may have a purpose we cannot yet see.
When life feels uncertain, remember that God is faithful to bring His purposes to completion. Just as those who stepped out of the boat found Jesus waiting on land, we can trust that He meets us at the end of our journeys. May you find peace in knowing that every step forward is held in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will turn out1×
- they got out1×
- having gone out1×
- It will result1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποβήσεται2×
- ἀπέβησαν1×
- ἀποβάντες1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 5:2
He saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.
This verse uses the word to describe fishermen physically leaving their boats, grounding the term in a specific historical moment of daily life.
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John 21:9
So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, with fish and bread laid on it.
Here the word marks the transition from sea to land, highlighting the tangible presence of Jesus waiting for his followers upon arrival.
-
Philippians 1:19
For I know that this will turn out to my salvation through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Paul employs the metaphorical sense of the word to express his confidence that his imprisonment will result in a positive spiritual outcome.