ἐπιβαίνω (epibainō)
epibainō
to mount/board
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epibainō describes the physical act of mounting or boarding something, such as a horse or a ship. Its meaning is built from two parts: the prefix "epi," meaning upon, and the root related to walking or going up. In the New Testament, this word captures the specific moment of stepping onto a vehicle or entering a space.
It appears six times in Scripture, often highlighting transition. In Matthew 21:5, it describes Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy. In Acts, it is used for boarding ships, such as when Paul sets sail from Philippi (Acts 21:2) or joins others on a vessel (Acts 27:2). It can also mean to go up to a place, as when leaders invite Paul to speak (Acts 20:18).
Translators typically render this word as "mount," "board," or "go aboard." The focus is always on the physical movement of getting onto something. This concrete action underscores the tangible nature of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the journeys of the early church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epibainō captures the simple, physical act of stepping onto something—a ship, a donkey, or a platform. It marks a clear transition from one place to another. In Matthew 21:5, Jesus mounts a donkey to enter Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy in a way that was both humble and public. This moment shows God entering history in a tangible, human way.
For your faith, this word reminds us that belief is not just abstract thought. It involves real movement and commitment. When Paul boards ships in Acts, he takes risks to share the gospel. Your own journey may involve similar steps of trust. You do not need to see the entire path ahead; you only need to take the next step in obedience.
God meets us in these ordinary moments of transition. Whether you are starting a new job, moving homes, or deepening your prayer life, He is with you as you board the next phase. His presence turns every departure into an opportunity for grace and mission.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to go up1×
- having gone on board1×
- having arrived in1×
- already riding1×
- I arrived1×
- Having boarded1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιβάντες2×
- ἐπέβην1×
- ἐπιβὰς1×
- ἐπιβεβηκὼς1×
- ἐπιβαίνειν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 21:5
“Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
This verse highlights Jesus’ deliberate choice to mount a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy and defining His kingship as humble rather than militaristic.
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Acts 21:2
Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
Here the word marks Paul’s decision to board a ship, showing how physical travel was essential for spreading the early church’s message across the Mediterranean.
-
Acts 27:2
Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica being with us.
Paul embarks on a dangerous sea voyage, demonstrating that faith often requires stepping into uncertain circumstances while trusting God’s protection.