ἐμβιβάζω (embibazō)
embibazō
to put on board
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb embibazō means to cause someone or something to enter a vessel, effectively putting them on board. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:6, where the narrator describes placing Paul and other prisoners onto an Alexandrian ship. The action is practical and physical, marking the beginning of their journey by sea.
Its etymology combines a preposition indicating placement with a root meaning to mount or ride. This construction emphasizes the act of transferring a person into a mode of transport rather than simply boarding it oneself. While similar words exist for traveling, embibazō specifically highlights the agency of putting others into the ship, underscoring the logistical reality of the voyage ahead.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word embibazō appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:6. It describes a centurion putting Paul and other prisoners onto an Alexandrian ship bound for Italy. This single instance highlights a moment of transition, where physical movement sets the stage for a spiritual journey.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God often uses ordinary logistics to guide His people. Paul was not traveling by choice but by necessity, yet he remained under divine protection. The act of being placed on board signifies surrender to a path we may not have chosen ourselves.
When life feels like an unexpected voyage, remember that God is present in the details. Whether you are boarding a new job, a relationship, or a season of trial, He is with you. Trust that even when you do not steer the ship, He holds the course.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he placed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνεβίβασεν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:6
There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us on board.
This verse uniquely uses embibazō to describe the centurion's agency in transferring prisoners onto a specific Alexandrian vessel, marking the start of Paul's journey to Rome.