παραπλέω (parapleō)
parapleō
to sail past
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb parapleō describes the specific action of sailing past a location without stopping. Its meaning is built from two parts: para, indicating proximity or passing by, and pleō, which means to sail. This combination creates a clear image of a vessel continuing its course along the coast while leaving another port behind.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Acts 20:16. Paul uses it to explain his travel plans, stating that he was sailing past Ephesus to reach Athens. He did so because he wanted to avoid spending time in Asia, aiming instead to arrive in Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost.
This single usage highlights the word’s practical nature. It does not imply a missed opportunity or regret, but rather a deliberate decision to bypass a known destination for a greater purpose. The term captures the physical reality of ancient maritime travel, where timing and wind conditions dictated whether a ship would dock or simply pass by.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Paul sailed past Ephesus, he made a deliberate choice to bypass a familiar and important city. He was not running away from responsibility, but moving with urgency toward a specific goal. This word, parapleō, captures that exact moment of passing by without stopping. It reminds us that sometimes God calls us to keep moving forward, even when it feels like we are leaving something good behind.
In our own lives, there may be times when we need to sail past certain distractions or delays to reach the destination God has set before us. This does not mean those places were wrong, but that timing and purpose require a different path. Trusting this direction can bring peace, knowing that your journey is guided by a clear and loving plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to sail by1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραπλεῦσαι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 20:16
For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
This verse shows Paul using the word to explain his strategic decision to bypass Ephesus in order to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost.