καταπλέω (katapleō)
katapleō
to sail
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katapleō describes the specific action of sailing from the open sea toward land, or putting in at a shore. Its meaning is grounded in its components: kata ("down") and pleō ("to sail"), creating an image of descending from the depths of the ocean to make contact with the earth. This distinguishes it from general terms for sailing, focusing instead on the arrival phase of a sea journey.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Luke 8:26. It describes how Jesus and his disciples arrived at the region of the Gerasenes after calming the storm. The text uses katapleō to mark their transition from the turbulent lake to the solid ground, highlighting a sudden change in location and circumstance.
While many Greek words cover travel or movement, katapleō captures the physical reality of docking or landing. It serves as a precise narrative marker in Luke’s account, signaling the end of the sea voyage and the beginning of the encounter with the demon-possessed man on the shore.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katapleō paints a vivid picture of coming to rest after a journey on the water. In Luke’s Gospel, it describes Jesus and His disciples arriving at the shore of the Gerasenes. This specific term highlights the moment the boat touches land, marking the end of their travel across the sea.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God guides us through turbulent waters to a place of purpose. Even when storms rage, as they did on that lake, Christ brings us safely to the shore. The arrival is not just about stopping; it is about stepping into a new situation where God’s power is ready to be shown.
When life feels like a storm at sea, remember that Jesus is in the boat with you. He calms the winds and steers you toward solid ground. This word encourages us to trust His navigation, knowing that every journey under His care ends in peace and encounter with His grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they sailed down1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατέπλευσαν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 8:26
Then they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee.
This verse uses the term to mark the precise moment Jesus and the disciples transition from the stormy sea to the land of the Gadarenes, setting the stage for the healing of the demon-possessed man.