Lexical Summary embainó: To embark, to go on board, to enter Original Word: ἐμβαίνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance come into, enter into, embarkFrom en and the base of basis; to walk on, i.e. Embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool) -- come (get) into, enter (into), go (up) into, step in, take ship. see GREEK en see GREEK basis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom en and the same as basis Definition to walk on, to step into, i.e. embark NASB Translation embarked (1), entered (1), get (2), getting (3), got (9), stepped (1), went on board (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1684: ἐμβαίνωἐμβαίνω (see ἐν, III. 3); 2 aorist ἐνεβην, infinitive ἐμβῆναι, participle ἐμβάς; (from Homer down); to go into, step into: John 5:4 R L; εἰς τό πλοῖον, to embark, Matthew 8:23, and often. Topical Lexicon Scope and Definition The verb in question consistently describes the physical act of stepping into a boat or other conveyance. It appears seventeen times in the Greek New Testament, all within the four Gospels. Across these texts the action is more than a travel note; it becomes a narrative hinge that signals transitions in Jesus’ ministry, the disciples’ obedience, and the unfolding revelation of His authority. Geographic and Historical Setting Most occurrences cluster around the Sea of Galilee. First-century fishing boats from this region were shallow-draft vessels that could be beached easily. Stepping in or out of such craft was a commonplace movement for fishermen, travelers, and merchants. The Gospel writers employ the term to root their accounts in recognizable, everyday activity while simultaneously highlighting decisive moments of divine encounter on the waters Jesus frequented. Patterns of Usage in the Synoptic Tradition 1. Transition to Teaching: 2. Transition to Miracles: 3. Transition to Mission: 4. Transition from Rejection: Johannine Emphases John uses the term to stress discipleship dynamics and resurrection insight. Symbolic Overtones While the verb remains concrete, the Gospel narratives allow theological resonance: 1. Obedience and Trust – Stepping into the boat with Jesus often ushers the disciples into situations beyond their control, exemplifying the walk of faith. Intertextual Echoes Though the exact verb is absent from the Septuagint, the motif of entering God-directed vessels (e.g., Noah’s ark, the tabernacle) provides narrative backdrop. The Gospels’ use of the term situates Jesus as the One who safely brings His people through the waters of chaos into covenant rest. Ministry Implications • Everyday Decisions: Routine steps—getting into a boat, starting a journey—are charged with eternal significance when undertaken in obedience to Christ. Theological Summary Through this modest verb the Gospels present a Savior who enters human space, commands creation, and directs His followers across every boundary. Each recorded instance threads together history, narrative momentum, and doctrinal depth, reinforcing the reliability and coherence of Scripture’s testimony to Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations ἀνέβημεν εμβαινοντος ἐμβαίνοντος εμβαντα εμβάντα ἐμβάντα εμβαντες εμβάντες ἐμβάντες εμβαντι εμβάντι ἐμβάντι εμβάντος εμβάντων εμβας εμβάς ἐμβὰς έμβηθι εμβηναι εμβήναι ἐμβῆναι ενεβη ενέβη ἐνέβη ενεβημεν ἐνέβημεν ενεβησαν ενέβησαν ἐνέβησαν anebemen anebēmen anébemen anébēmen embainontos embaínontos embanta embánta embantes embántes embanti embánti embas embàs embenai embênai embēnai embē̂nai enebe enebē enébe enébē enebesan enebēsan enébesan enébēsanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 8:23 V-APA-DMSGRK: Καὶ ἐμβάντι αὐτῷ εἰς NAS: When He got into the boat, KJV: And when he was entered into a ship, INT: And having entered he into Matthew 9:1 V-APA-NMS Matthew 13:2 V-APA-AMS Matthew 14:22 V-ANA Matthew 15:39 V-AIA-3S Mark 4:1 V-APA-AMS Mark 5:18 V-PPA-GMS Mark 6:45 V-ANA Mark 8:10 V-APA-NMS Mark 8:13 V-APA-NMS Luke 5:3 V-APA-NMS Luke 8:22 V-AIA-3S Luke 8:37 V-APA-NMS John 5:4 V-APA John 6:17 V-APA-NMP John 6:24 V-AIA-3P John 21:3 V-AIA-3P Strong's Greek 1684 |
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