ἐκκολυμβάω (ekkolumbaō)
ekkolumbaō
to swim out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekkolumbaō describes the physical act of swimming out of something, specifically from within a body of water to safety on land. It is a rare word in biblical literature, appearing only once in the New Testament in Acts 27:43.
Its meaning is built from two parts: the prefix ek, meaning "out," and kolumbaō, meaning "to swim." This combination creates a vivid image of escape. In the narrative, it depicts soldiers swimming ashore to save Paul after their ship breaks apart in a storm. The word emphasizes movement away from danger and toward solid ground.
Because it is so uncommon, translators often use simple phrases like "swam ashore" or "swam out." It captures a moment of urgent survival rather than leisurely swimming. The term highlights the physical effort required to leave the sea behind, serving as a concrete detail in a story about deliverance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekkolumbaō appears only once in the New Testament, capturing a moment of urgent survival during a shipwreck. It describes soldiers swimming out from the broken vessel to reach safety on land. This rare term highlights the physical effort required to escape danger and move toward solid ground.
In Acts 27, this action becomes a means of deliverance for Paul and others. The image reminds us that even in chaotic circumstances, there is a way forward. It encourages trust in God’s provision when we face overwhelming challenges, knowing He can bring us through to safety.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having swum away1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκκολυμβήσας1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:42
The soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim out and escape.
This verse shows the word used in the context of soldiers attempting to swim out to escape after the ship breaks apart, highlighting the urgency of survival.