ἐκπλέω (ekpleō)
ekpleō
to sail out/away
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekpleō describes the specific action of sailing out or departing by ship. Formed from the prefix ek ("out") and pleō ("to sail"), it captures the moment a vessel leaves its harbor or safe port to venture into open waters. This is not merely movement, but the decisive act of setting sail away from a fixed point.
In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within the book of Acts. It provides concrete geographical detail for Paul’s missionary journeys. For instance, in Acts 20:6, it marks when the group sailed away from Philippi, and in Acts 18:18, it notes Paul sailing from Cenchreae to Ephesus. These brief mentions anchor the narrative in the physical reality of ancient travel.
Translators typically render ekpleō as "sailed away" or "set sail." The word emphasizes the departure itself rather than the journey’s duration or destination. It serves as a narrative marker, signaling that characters are moving from one location to another by sea, highlighting the logistical challenges and opportunities of early Christian expansion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekpleō captures the decisive moment a ship leaves the safety of the harbor for the open sea. In Acts, this term marks Paul’s movements as he carries the gospel across the Mediterranean. It reminds us that faith often requires leaving behind what is familiar to follow where God leads.
When we read about vessels sailing away, we see the physical reality of early Christian expansion. These journeys were not easy; they involved risk and uncertainty. Yet, the narrative shows that God’s mission moves forward through people willing to step out in obedience.
This word invites us to consider our own moments of departure. Whether it is a new job, a move, or a shift in perspective, we too are called to trust God as we set sail into unknown waters. His presence goes with us, just as it guided Paul’s ships across the sea.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sailing1×
- sailed away1×
- he was sailing away1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξέπλει1×
- ἐξεπλεύσαμεν1×
- ἐκπλεῦσαι1×
Key Verses
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Acts 18:18
Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow.
This verse highlights Paul’s deliberate departure from Cenchreae to Syria, showing how missionary work required strategic movement and personal sacrifice.
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Acts 20:6
We sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas in five days, where we stayed seven days.
Here the term marks a specific timeline in Paul’s journey, emphasizing the precision of God’s guidance in his travels.
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Acts 15:39
Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
This occurrence shows that even amid conflict and separation, the mission continued as Barnabas sailed away with Mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to…
Acts 18:18Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria,…
Acts 20:6We sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas in five days, where we…