Lexical Summary braduploeó: To sail slowly Original Word: βραδυπλοέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sail slowly. From bradus and a prolonged form of pleo; to sail slowly -- sail slowly. see GREEK bradus see GREEK pleo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bradus and a root akin to pleó Definition to sail slowly NASB Translation sailed slowly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1020: βραδυπλοέωβραδυπλοέω, βραδύπλω; (βραδύς and πλοῦς); to sail slowly: present participle in Acts 27:7. (Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 4, 30.) Topical Lexicon Historical Setting of Acts 27:7 The sole New Testament use of Strong’s Greek 1020 occurs during Paul’s journey to Rome. Acts 27 describes a late-season departure from Fair Havens on Crete, when prevailing north-westerlies made westward progress perilously slow. Ancient sea-travel relied on seasonal winds; between mid-September and early November navigation across the open Mediterranean became increasingly hazardous. Luke’s eyewitness detail underscores the historical credibility of the narrative and sets the stage for God’s providential preservation of Paul and all aboard. Maritime Realities of the First Century Sailing vessels of the era lacked true ability to tack into a headwind. Progress depended on favorable breezes and coastal hugging to avoid open-sea storms. “Sailed slowly” (Acts 27:7) signals both the crew’s expertise and their vulnerability. Cargo ships commonly carried grain from Alexandria to Italy; delays risked spoilage, financial loss, and, as later verses show, threatened lives. Luke’s terminology aligns with technical vocabulary in contemporary nautical papyri, confirming his familiarity with maritime practice. Spiritual Significance within Paul’s Voyage Narrative Luke weaves nautical detail with theological purpose. The impeded voyage illustrates human limitation before creation’s forces, while highlighting God’s sovereignty. Despite adverse winds and the crew’s reluctance to heed Paul’s earlier warning (Acts 27:10), the apostle’s mission to testify in Rome (Acts 23:11) remains unstoppable. The verb for “slow sailing” becomes a literary hinge: what appears as mere meteorological delay becomes the means by which Paul will later speak of salvation to sailors and soldiers alike (Acts 27:23-25). Biblical Themes Echoed by Slow Progress 1. Divine Timing: Scripture repeatedly portrays God orchestrating events that seem delayed from human perspective (Habakkuk 2:3; 2 Peter 3:9). The slow voyage mirrors the Lord’s purposeful pacing. Implications for Christian Ministry Today Delays in missionary endeavor or local church work often prove formative. Paul’s hindered progress created space for witness, intercession, and ultimately the salvation of shipmates. Ministry that seems impeded invites prayerful discernment of divine opportunity rather than frustration. The passage reminds leaders that strategic planning submits to God’s overruling will, encouraging patience and steadfast faith. Pastoral Reflections on Divine Timing Acts 27:7 offers comfort to believers facing protracted trials. The same Lord who “makes the clouds His chariot” (Psalm 104:3) rules contrary winds. When progress slows, one may echo Paul’s confidence: “I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me” (Acts 27:25). Waiting seasons cultivate endurance (Romans 5:3-4) and refine motives, ensuring that outcomes glorify Christ rather than human efficiency. Application for Contemporary Believers • Personal Life: Slow answers to prayer invite deeper trust. Summary Strong’s Greek 1020, though appearing only once, carries rich implications. The Apostle’s wind-hampered voyage becomes a vivid tableau of divine sovereignty, human limitation, and redemptive opportunity. Believers today draw encouragement to persevere in faith, confident that God directs every “slow sail” toward His appointed harbor. Forms and Transliterations βραδυπλοουντες βραδυπλοούντες βραδυπλοοῦντες braduploountes bradyploountes bradyplooûntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |