ἐλαύνω (elaunō)
elaunō
to drive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb elaunō means to drive or propel something forward with force. In the New Testament, it is used for both wind driving ships and sailors rowing vessels. This dual usage highlights a shared sense of powerful movement against resistance.
Its occurrences are concentrated in the Gospels, particularly Mark and John. For example, Mark 6:48 describes Jesus coming to his disciples who were "driven" by the wind while rowing. Similarly, John 6:19 notes that the boat had traveled only a few miles before Jesus appeared, emphasizing the struggle against the elements.
While less common than other verbs for movement, elaunō carries a vivid image of physical exertion and external pressure. It appears in James 3:4 to describe how a small rudder drives a large ship, illustrating how something small can control a much larger force through directed power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word elaunō paints a vivid picture of being pushed forward against resistance. In the New Testament, it describes both wind driving ships and the forceful movement of people or spirits. This imagery reminds us that life often feels like rowing into a storm, where external pressures seem overwhelming and our own strength is not enough.
Yet, in Mark 6:48, we see Jesus approaching his disciples who were struggling against these very winds. His presence does not immediately calm the storm, but it changes the context of their struggle. The same word used for fierce winds also describes how a small rudder guides a large ship in James 3:4. This suggests that even when forces beyond our control are at play, direction and purpose can still be found.
Whether facing personal trials or spiritual battles, this word invites us to look beyond the immediate pressure. It points to a reality where God’s power operates within our limitations, offering guidance and presence even when the waters are rough.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being driven,2×
- rowing,1×
- he was driven1×
- Having rowed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠλαύνετο1×
- ἐληλακότες1×
- ἐλαύνειν,1×
- ἐλαυνόμεναι,1×
- ἐλαυνόμενα,1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 6:48
Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them,
This verse highlights Jesus' approach to his disciples as they were being driven by contrary winds, showing His presence in their struggle.
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John 6:19
When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid.
Here, the word emphasizes the distance covered under difficult conditions before Jesus appears, underscoring the intensity of their effort.
-
James 3:4
Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.
This metaphor illustrates how a small rudder can direct a large ship driven by fierce winds, symbolizing the power of controlled influence.