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G636 · Greek · New Testament
ἀποπλέω
apopleo
Verb
To sail away / Set sail / Depart by sea

Definition

A verb meaning 'to sail away,' 'to depart by sea,' or 'to set sail from a port.' Used in Acts for Paul's sea voyages across the Mediterranean.

Usage & Theological Significance

Apopleo (G636) appears in Acts 13:4, 14:26, 20:15, and 27:1. In Acts 13:4 Paul and Barnabas 'sailed to Cyprus' from Seleucia. In Acts 27:1 Paul's final sea voyage toward Rome begins. The word captures the decisive departure -- casting off, setting sail, leaving a familiar port for unknown waters. Theologically, Paul's sea voyages represent the gospel's expansion across the Mediterranean world -- the sea that Rome dominated became the highway for Kingdom proclamation. Acts is structured around these departures, each one carrying the gospel further toward 'the ends of the earth' (Acts 1:8).

Key Bible Verses

Acts 13:4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus (apepleusan eis Kupron).
Acts 14:26 And from there they sailed back (apepleusan) to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God.
Acts 27:1 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion.
Acts 28:31 Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.

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