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ἀποπλέω (apopleō)

apopleō

to set sail

G0636 · Greek · New Testament · 4 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
4 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The verb apopleō means to set sail or depart by ship, describing the physical act of leaving a port. It appears four times in the New Testament, with three instances located in the Book of Acts. This word captures the moment when a journey begins on the water, marking a clear transition from land to sea.

Its form combines the prefix apo, indicating separation or departure, with pleō, meaning to sail. In Acts 13:4 and 14:26, it describes Paul and Barnabas leaving Antioch for their missionary work, while Acts 20:15 records them sailing from a specific location toward Asos. The term is straightforward, focusing on the action of departure rather than the destination or the weather conditions.

Translators typically render apopleō as "set sail" or "sailed away," which preserves the sense of movement and separation. Unlike words that might imply drifting or wandering, this verb suggests a deliberate act of leaving a known place to begin a new leg of a voyage. Its limited use in Scripture highlights specific moments of departure in the early church’s expansion.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Greek word apopleō describes the decisive moment when a ship leaves the harbor. It is not about drifting with the current, but about making a deliberate choice to depart from the known and enter the unknown. In the early church, this simple act of sailing marked the beginning of significant missionary journeys that would spread the Gospel across the Mediterranean.

When Paul and Barnabas set sail for Cyprus or returned to Antioch, they were not merely traveling; they were stepping out in obedience to the Holy Spirit. This word reminds us that faith often requires a clear break from our current comfort zone. It is the physical expression of trusting God with the next leg of our journey, even when the destination is uncertain.

For your own life, this term invites you to consider where God might be calling you to leave behind the safety of the shore. Whether it is a new role, a difficult conversation, or a step of service, apopleō encourages a faithful departure. It assures us that when we move in response to His leading, He is with us on the water.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • they sailed2×
  • sailing1×
  • having sailed away1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ἀπέπλευσαν2×
  • ἀποπλεῖν1×
  • ἀποπλεύσαντες1×

Key Verses

  • Acts 13:4
    So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.

    This verse marks the first time apopleō is used, showing Paul and Barnabas leaving Seleucia after being sent out by the Holy Spirit, highlighting obedience as the driver for departure.

  • Acts 27:1
    When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band.

    Here the word appears in the context of Paul’s journey to Rome, emphasizing that even when circumstances involve imprisonment, God’s plan for movement and mission continues.

  • Acts 14:26
    From there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.

    This occurrence shows the return leg of a missionary journey, indicating that setting sail is also part of completing the work assigned by God's grace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does apopleō mean in the Bible?

Apopleō is a Greek verb that means 'to set sail' or 'to depart by ship.' It specifically describes the action of leaving a port to begin a voyage on the water. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the physical movement of missionaries like Paul and Barnabas as they traveled to spread the Gospel.

How many times does apopleō appear in the New Testament?

The word appears exactly four times in the New Testament. All four instances are found in the Book of Acts, specifically describing the travel movements of Paul and his companions during their missionary journeys.

Is apopleō different from other words for sailing?

While it shares a root with other sailing terms, apopleō emphasizes the act of departure or setting out from a place. It focuses on the transition from land to sea rather than the general activity of being at sea. This makes it particularly useful in narratives that highlight the beginning of a journey or a mission.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)

Acts 4 verses
Acts 13:4

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 14:26

From there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had…

Acts 20:15

Sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at…

Acts 27:1

When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion…