ναυαγέω (nauageō)
nauageō
be shipwrecked
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb nauageō describes the violent experience of being shipwrecked, derived from roots meaning "ship" and "to break." In the New Testament, it appears only twice, grounding its literal sense in Paul’s harrowing account of enduring three shipwrecks during his missionary journeys (2 Corinthians 11:25). This usage highlights the physical peril and total loss associated with the term.
Paul also employs this word metaphorically in 1 Timothy 1:19 to describe the spiritual ruin that results from rejecting faith. Here, the image of a vessel breaking apart on rocks illustrates how abandoning conscience leads to a catastrophic collapse of one’s spiritual foundation, rather than mere disagreement or error.
This rare term carries significant weight because it does not describe a minor setback but a complete destruction. By linking physical disaster with spiritual failure, the text emphasizes that faith is not just an abstract belief but a structural necessity for survival in the Christian life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nauageō paints a picture of total loss, where a vessel breaks apart on rocks and everything is swept away. In Paul’s letters, this term captures both physical danger and spiritual collapse. When he speaks of being shipwrecked in 2 Corinthians 11:25, he describes the real peril he faced while sharing the Gospel. This reminds us that following Christ can involve serious hardship, yet God remains present even in the deepest storms.
Paul also uses this image in 1 Timothy 1:19 to warn against rejecting a clear conscience. He suggests that ignoring our moral compass can lead to a complete breakdown of faith, much like a ship lost at sea. This connection between physical disaster and spiritual ruin shows that our beliefs are not just ideas but the very structure that keeps us afloat. When we hold fast to truth, we build a foundation that weather any trial.
Thinking about this word helps us see that faith is practical and vital. It is not merely a feeling but a lifeline that holds us when circumstances turn violent or uncertain. By keeping our conscience clear and our trust in God steady, we avoid the kind of spiritual wreck that leaves nothing behind. This perspective offers hope, reminding us that stability comes from staying connected to the truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- caused a shipwreck,1×
- I was shipwrecked,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐναυάγησαν,1×
- ἐναυάγησα,1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 11:25
Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep.
This verse records Paul’s literal experience of three shipwrecks, highlighting the physical dangers he endured while preaching.
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I Timothy 1:19
holding faith and a good conscience, which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith,
Here Paul uses the word metaphorically to describe how rejecting conscience can cause a complete collapse of one's faith.