πλόος (ploos)
ploos
voyage
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ploos refers to a sea voyage or a journey by ship. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within the book of Acts. The word captures the physical act of traveling across water, focusing on the passage itself rather than the vessel.
Its usage highlights the peril and duration of ancient maritime travel. For instance, Paul’s voyage to Rome is described in detail, where the term marks specific stages of the journey (Acts 27:9-10). It also appears when Paul departs from Caesarea for Jerusalem (Acts 21:7), underscoring the commitment required for such trips.
Derived from the verb plōō, meaning to sail, ploos emphasizes the movement and experience of the journey. This lexical root connects the word directly to the action of navigating the sea, providing a clear picture of travel in the first century Mediterranean world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word ploos describes a sea voyage, capturing the physical reality of traveling by ship in the ancient world. In Acts, this term highlights the peril and duration of maritime journeys, such as Paul’s trip to Rome or his departure from Tyre. These voyages were not mere trips but significant undertakings that required endurance and trust in God's protection.
When we read about these sea journeys, we see how faith operates in uncertain circumstances. The believers faced dangerous conditions, yet they relied on divine guidance rather than their own strength. This reminds us that our spiritual journey may also involve difficult passages where we must depend entirely on God’s care and wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- voyage2×
- voyage.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πλοῦν.1×
- πλοῦν1×
- πλοὸς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 21:7
When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day.
This verse marks the completion of Paul's voyage from Tyre, showing how the word ploos signifies a finished journey that brought him closer to Jerusalem and his ultimate mission.
-
Acts 27:9
When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished them
Here, the danger of the voyage is highlighted because the Fast had passed, illustrating how ploos captures both the physical passage and the risks involved in ancient sea travel.
-
Acts 27:10
and said to them, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.”
Paul warns that the voyage will result in injury and loss, emphasizing how ploos represents not just movement but also the potential consequences of trusting God during trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ploos mean in the New Testament?
Why is ploos significant in Acts 27?
How does ploos differ from other words for travel?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers and stayed with them one…
Acts 27:9When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished…
Acts 27:10and said to them, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the…