1602. ekpleó

Lexical Summary

ekpleó: To sail away, to set sail

Original Word: ἐκπλέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ekpleó
Pronunciation: ek-pleh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-pleh'-o)
KJV: sail (away, thence)
NASB: put out to sea, sailed, sailed away
Word Origin: [from G1537 (ἐκ - among) and G4126 (πλέω - sailing)]

1. to depart by ship

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

sail away.

From ek and pleo; to depart by ship -- sail (away, thence).

see GREEK ek

see GREEK pleo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from ek and pleó
Definition
to sail away
NASB Translation
put out to sea (1), sailed (1), sailed away (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1602: ἐκπλέω

ἐκπλέω: (imperfect ἐξεπλεον); 1 aorist ἐξέπλευσα; to sail from sail away, depart by ship: ἀπό with the genitive of place, Acts 20:6; εἰς with the accusative of place, Acts 15:39; Acts 18:18. (Sophocles, Herodotus, Thucydides, others.)

Topical Lexicon

Overview of the Verb’s Narrative Function

Strong’s Greek 1602 marks three decisive moments in the Book of Acts when missionaries “set sail.” Each occurrence signals a transition in Gospel outreach:
• Acts 15:39 – Barnabas and Mark launch a new phase of ministry to Cyprus after sharp disagreement with Paul.
• Acts 18:18 – Paul departs Corinth for Syria, bringing Priscilla and Aquila and thereby planting the seeds of their later influential ministry in Ephesus (Acts 18:26).
• Acts 20:6 – Paul and his companions leave Philippi for Troas on the eve of his final journey to Jerusalem, setting the stage for the moving farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38).

Historical Context of Mediterranean Voyaging

First-century sea travel was seasonal, perilous, and dependent on prevailing winds. The verb thus conveys more than mere motion; it implies planning, courage, and divine providence. Sailing seasons typically opened after the Feast of Unleavened Bread (compare Acts 20:6) and closed by mid-autumn (Acts 27:9). Luke’s precise use of 1602 underscores an awareness of these rhythms and enhances the trustworthiness of his historical record.

Mission Strategy and Divine Guidance

1. Separation for Multiplication (Acts 15:39)

Conflict did not derail the mission; the sailing of Barnabas expanded the workforce and maintained evangelistic momentum on Cyprus, where the Gospel had first penetrated Roman governance through Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:12).
2. Team Formation and Skill Transfer (Acts 18:18)

Paul’s departure with Priscilla and Aquila demonstrates intentional mentoring. Their exposure to Paul at sea and on shore equipped them to instruct Apollos “more accurately” in Ephesus (Acts 18:26).
3. Urgency toward Jerusalem (Acts 20:6)

The verb frames Paul’s disciplined pace toward his ultimate goal of testifying in Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-24). The voyage from Philippi also allows for the inclusion of Luke (“we sailed”), highlighting eyewitness authenticity.

Theological Themes Highlighted by 1602

• Sovereignty over Circumstances – Each launch occurs within God’s providence, fulfilling Jesus’ mandate “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
• Gospel Expansion through Human Weakness – Personal disagreement, vows, and festival calendars all become channels for the spread of Christ’s name.
• Fellowship in Motion – Sea travel knits believers together; shared voyages forge partnerships that influence churches across the Mediterranean.

Associated Old Testament Imagery

Sailing in Scripture often depicts mission and judgment alike (Jonah 1; Psalm 107:23-30). Acts redeems nautical imagery by portraying the sea as a corridor of salvation history, echoing Isaiah’s promise that distant coastlands would hope in the Servant (Isaiah 42:4).

Patristic Reflection

Early writers such as Chrysostom viewed Paul’s embarkations as proof that “the whole world was his parish,” marveling that storms, hunger, and chains could not quench apostolic zeal. 1602 is therefore a subtle witness to the Spirit’s power to propel the Church beyond natural boundaries.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Conflict Resolution – When parting becomes necessary, commit coworkers to God’s grace and keep the mission central.
• Mentoring on the Move – Shared journeys offer fertile ground for discipleship; ministry leaders should invite younger believers into real-time service experiences.
• Strategic Timing – Sensitivity to cultural and logistical seasons remains critical for effective outreach today, just as sailing calendars guided Paul.

Key Passages

Acts 15:39 – “Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus.”

Acts 18:18 – “Paul... said goodbye to the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.”

Acts 20:6 – “After the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we joined the others at Troas.”

Conclusion

Strong’s 1602, though rare, punctuates pivotal junctions where the Spirit directs His servants across the waters. Each embarkation broadens the horizon of Gospel influence, demonstrating that obedient hearts, whether in harmony or tension, are carried forward by the same sovereign wind.

Forms and Transliterations

εκπλευσαι εκπλεύσαι ἐκπλεῦσαι εκπλήξει εξεπλει εξέπλει ἐξέπλει εξεπλευσαμεν εξεπλεύσαμεν ἐξεπλεύσαμεν ekpleusai ekpleûsai exeplei exéplei exepleusamen exepleúsamen

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 15:39 V-ANA
GRK: τὸν Μάρκον ἐκπλεῦσαι εἰς Κύπρον
NAS: Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.
KJV: took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
INT: Mark sailed to Cyprus

Acts 18:18 V-IIA-3S
GRK: ἀδελφοῖς ἀποταξάμενος ἐξέπλει εἰς τὴν
NAS: of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria,
KJV: of the brethren, and sailed thence into
INT: brothers having taken leave of sailed away to

Acts 20:6 V-AIA-1P
GRK: ἡμεῖς δὲ ἐξεπλεύσαμεν μετὰ τὰς
NAS: We sailed from Philippi after
KJV: And we sailed away from Philippi
INT: we moreover sailed away after the

Strong's Greek 1602
3 Occurrences

ἐκπλεῦσαι — 1 Occ.
ἐξέπλει — 1 Occ.
ἐξεπλεύσαμεν — 1 Occ.