βραδυπλοέω (braduploeō)
braduploeō
to sail slowly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb braduploeō describes the specific action of sailing slowly. It is a compound word formed from bradus, meaning slow or tardy, and plous, relating to a voyage or sailing. This precise term appears only once in the New Testament, located in Acts 27:7.
In that narrative, Paul is being transported as a prisoner on a ship bound for Italy. The text notes that they sailed slowly near the coast of Cyprus because the wind was contrary. This single usage grounds the word in a realistic maritime context, capturing the frustration and delay experienced by travelers facing unfavorable weather conditions.
Translators typically render this term simply as "sailed slowly" or "went slowly." Because it is so rare, there is no broader theological metaphor attached to it in Scripture. It serves as a vivid historical detail, illustrating the practical difficulties of ancient sea travel and the patience required during long voyages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word braduploeō appears just once in Scripture, describing a ship sailing slowly against contrary winds. This rare verb captures the tangible frustration of delay, reminding us that not every journey moves at the pace we desire. In Acts 27:7, Paul and his companions faced this exact situation, forced to navigate carefully near Cyprus because the wind would not cooperate.
For your faith, this detail offers a quiet comfort. It shows that God’s purposes are not always bound by our timelines or favorable conditions. Even when travel is slow and difficult, the presence of Christ remains steady. We can trust that He walks with us through every season of waiting, whether on land or sea.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sailing slowly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βραδυπλοοῦντες1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:7
When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.
This is the only occurrence of the word, highlighting how external circumstances like wind can force a slower pace despite good intentions.