πλέω (pleō)
pleō
to sail
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pleō means to sail or travel by ship. In the New Testament, it appears in only six verses, primarily within Luke’s Gospel and the Book of Acts. It describes the physical act of navigating vessels across water, such as when Paul boards a ship at Caesarea (Acts 21:3) or when Jesus and his disciples set out across the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8:23).
This word is closely related to pleuo, with sources noting that pleō often serves as an alternate form in specific tenses. The underlying concept involves moving through water, a meaning shared with its usage in the Septuagint where it translates Hebrew terms for coming or entering by sea. Translators consistently render it as "sail" or "voyage," capturing the literal journey rather than metaphorical movement.
Its limited occurrence highlights specific narrative moments of travel and transition. In Revelation 18:17, merchants who grew rich from trade stand at a distance and cry out as ships are wrecked, using pleō to anchor the scene in maritime reality. The word grounds these biblical accounts in the tangible experiences of ancient seafaring.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pleō appears in just six verses of the New Testament, grounding us in the tangible reality of ancient travel. It describes the physical act of sailing, whether it is Jesus resting in the boat during a storm or Paul boarding a vessel for Rome. These are not abstract ideas but real journeys with real risks.
For your faith, this word reminds you that God accompanies us through literal and metaphorical transitions. In Acts 27:24, an angel tells Paul, 'God has granted you all those who sail with you.' This promise extends to anyone navigating uncertainty. You are not alone in your voyages.
When life feels like a storm on the Sea of Galilee, remember that Jesus was in the boat. The same God who calmed the wind also guides your path. Trust Him in the moving parts of your story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sailing3×
- we were sailing1×
- to sail1×
- When were sailing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπλέομεν1×
- πλέων1×
- πλέοντας1×
- πλέον1×
- πλεῖν1×
- πλεόντων1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 8:23
But as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water.
This verse shows Jesus sleeping in a boat during a storm, highlighting His humanity and the disciples' fear.
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Acts 27:24
saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
Paul receives a direct promise from God that all who sail with him will be saved, anchoring hope in divine protection.
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Revelation of John 18:17
For in an hour such great riches are made desolate.’ Every ship master, and everyone who sails anywhere, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood far away,
This occurrence contrasts human economic power with sudden judgment, showing the fragility of worldly success.