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G1688 · Greek · New Testament
ἐμβιβάζω
embibazō
Verb
To put in / to cause to board / to place into

Definition

The Greek verb embibazō (ἐμβιβάζω) means to put someone into, to cause to board, to place in a vessel or situation. In Acts 27:6, it appears in the account of Paul's voyage to Rome when the centurion found an Alexandrian ship and put us in it — the same word that places Paul on the fateful ship that would later shipwreck.

Usage & Theological Significance

The word appears in a pivotal moment of Acts 27 — the chapter-long sea voyage that is one of the most detailed ancient sea narrative accounts. Though embibazō is a practical nautical term, its theological context is profound: Paul the prisoner is about to face the storm of his life, yet God has already declared that he will reach Rome (Acts 27:24 — "You must stand before Caesar").

Paul is put into the ship by a Roman centurion, as if a passive cargo — yet he becomes the spiritual authority on board, the one who prays, who receives revelation, who feeds everyone, who ensures no one perishes. Those who are placed by Providence into difficult situations are often the very ones through whom God acts most powerfully. Joseph was "put into" Egypt (Genesis 37:28); Jonah was "put into" the deep. Placement by Providence is never without purpose.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 27:6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board.
Acts 27:24 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
Genesis 37:28 So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
Jonah 1:15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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