ἐμβαίνω (embainō)
embainō
to climb
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb embainō describes the physical act of stepping into or climbing aboard something, most frequently a boat in the New Testament. It conveys the simple motion of entering a vessel, marking the transition from land to water. This word appears in eighteen verses, with significant usage in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John.
Its meaning is grounded in movement and entry. The sources note its use for embarking on ships, such as when Jesus enters a boat with his disciples (Mark 4:1) or when they set out across the sea (Matthew 8:23). It captures the literal action of boarding, serving as the narrative bridge that moves characters from one setting to another.
Etymologically, it combines a prefix indicating entry with a root meaning to step or go. This construction emphasizes the act of crossing a threshold. Translators typically render it as "embark" or "get into," preserving the concrete sense of physical movement rather than abstract spiritual concepts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word embainō describes the simple, physical act of stepping into a vessel. In the Gospels, it marks the moment Jesus or his disciples leave the shore and enter the water. This is not just travel; it is a transition from one place to another, often signaling a shift in teaching or ministry.
For your faith, this word reminds you that God meets us in movement. Whether Jesus entered a boat to teach the crowds (Mark 4:1) or his disciples followed him into the storm (Matthew 8:23), the act of boarding was part of their journey with him. It shows that following Christ often involves leaving the familiar shore for unknown waters.
You do not need to understand every wave to trust the One who walks on them. When you feel called to step out in faith, remember that Jesus is already in the boat. His presence turns a simple crossing into an opportunity for grace and revelation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having climbed7×
- to climb2×
- they climbed2×
- climbed2×
- when climbing1×
- was climbing in1×
- having climbed into1×
- He climbed1×
- Having climbed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμβὰς6×
- ἐνέβησαν3×
- ἐνέβη2×
- ἐμβῆναι2×
- ἐμβάντα2×
- ἐμβάντι1×
- ἐμβάντες1×
- ἐμβαίνοντος1×
Key Verses
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Mark 4:1
Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea.
Jesus enters the boat to teach by the sea, using the vessel as a platform to reach the gathered multitude.
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Matthew 8:23
When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
The disciples follow Jesus into the boat, initiating the journey where he calms the storm.
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John 6:17
They entered into the boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them.
The disciples are already in the boat crossing the sea when darkness falls and Jesus has not yet arrived.
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Luke 5:3
He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
Jesus enters Simon’s boat to teach the crowds from a distance, showing how ordinary tools serve divine purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word embainō mean?
Why do the Gospels use this word so much?
Is there a spiritual meaning behind getting into a boat?
Every Occurrence (18 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 5 verses
When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
Matthew 9:1He entered into a boat and crossed over, and came into his own city.
Matthew 13:2Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.
Matthew 14:22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the…
Matthew 15:39Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.