Lexical Summary parapleó: To sail past, to sail by Original Word: παραπλέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sail by. From para and pleo; to sail near -- sail by. see GREEK para see GREEK pleo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and pleó Definition to sail by or past NASB Translation sail past (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3896: παραπλέωπαραπλέω: 1 aorist infinitive παραπλεῦσαι; to sail by, sail past, (παρά, IV. 1): with an accusative of place, Acts 20:16. (Thucydides 2, 25; Xenophon, anab. 6, 2, 1; Hell. 1, 3, 3; Plato, Phaedr., p. 259 a.) Topical Lexicon Usage in Scripture The verb appears once in the New Testament: “But Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in Asia, because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.” (Acts 20:16). The action of “sailing past” underscores a deliberate decision within a divinely directed itinerary. Historical Context Acts 20 records the closing movements of Paul’s third missionary journey (circa A.D. 53–57). Having gathered contributions for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25–26; 1 Corinthians 16:1–4), Paul was eager to present this gift by Pentecost, a feast that drew Jews from throughout the Roman Empire. Skirting the harbor of Ephesus spared Paul the inevitable delays that his presence would create among beloved disciples there (cf. Acts 19:10). Instead, he summoned the Ephesian elders to nearby Miletus (Acts 20:17) for a deeply pastoral farewell. Paul’s Missionary Strategy 1. Purpose-driven movement: Paul’s bypass of Ephesus illustrates a missionary who weighs every stop against a larger calling. Short-term loss—foregoing extended fellowship—served a greater kingdom aim, the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers expressed through the Jerusalem offering (2 Corinthians 8–9). Spiritual Discernment and Avoidance To “sail past” can signify holy restraint. Wisdom sometimes calls for bypassing legitimate opportunities when they threaten to dilute obedience (Proverbs 4:25–27). Paul discerned that revisiting Ephesus, scene of earlier revival and opposition (Acts 19:23–41), might embroil him in disputes that would hinder his Spirit-impressed deadline for Jerusalem. Maritime Motifs in Luke–Acts Luke portrays the gospel’s advance against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. From Peter’s voyage to Joppa (Acts 10:23–24) to Paul’s storm-tossed passage to Rome (Acts 27), the sea becomes a stage for divine sovereignty. The single occurrence of this verb contributes to the broader narrative that God governs both the winds and the missionary calendar. Doctrinal Insights Practical Ministry Applications Related Biblical Themes Purposeful haste: 1 Samuel 21:8; Luke 19:5–6 Avoiding distraction: Nehemiah 6:3; Mark 1:38 Stewardship of travel: Proverbs 16:9; James 4:13–15 Summary Though used only once, the verb translated “to sail past” encapsulates a moment when apostolic resolve, Spirit-led timing, and pastoral sensitivity converged. It invites believers to navigate life’s itinerary with equal clarity of purpose and submission to the Lord who charts every course. Forms and Transliterations παραπλευσαι παραπλεύσαι παραπλεῦσαι παράπληκτος παραπληξία parapleusai parapleûsaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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