Lexical Summary paraballó: To compare, to set beside, to throw alongside. Original Word: παραβάλλω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance arrive, cross over From para and ballo; to throw alongside, i.e. (reflexively) to reach a place, or (figuratively) to liken -- arrive, compare. see GREEK para see GREEK ballo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and balló Definition to throw beside NASB Translation crossed over (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3846: παραβάλλωπαραβάλλω: 2 aorist παρέβαλον; 1. to throw before, cast to (cf. παρά, Winers Grammar, 1) (Homer, Plato, Polybius, Dio Cassius, others; as fodder to horses, Homer, Iliad 8, 504). 2. to put one thing by the side of another for the sake of comparison, to compare, liken (Herodotus, Xenophon, Plato, Polybius, Josephus, Herodian): τήν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν παραβολή, to portray the kingdom of God (in), by the use of, a similitude, Mark 4:30 R G L marginal reading Tr marginal reading (cf. Buttmann, § 133, 22). 3. reflexively, to put oneself, betake oneself into a place or to a person (Plato, Polybius, Plutarch, (Diogenes Laërtius); of seamen (Herodotus 7, 179; Demosthenes, p. 163, 4; εἰς Ποτιόλους, Josephus, Antiquities 18, 6, 4), εἰς Σάμον, Acts 20:15 (put in at (R. V. touched at)). For another use of this verb in Greek writings see παραβολεύομαι. In Acts 20:15 the verb translated “put in” (παρεβάλομεν) describes the act of bringing a vessel alongside a shore or harbor for a brief stop. Luke recounts, “Sailing from there, we arrived the next day opposite Chios. The following day we crossed over to Samos—and the next day we came to Miletus” (Acts 20:15). The word paints a vivid nautical scene: the missionary team does not merely pass by the island of Samos; they intentionally draw near, securing the ship long enough to mark the waypoint before pushing on toward Miletus. Biblical Usage This single New-Testament occurrence appears during Paul’s return toward Jerusalem at the close of his third missionary journey (Acts 19:21; 20:22). The precision of Luke’s travel log underscores his reliability as a historian and allows modern readers to trace the route with confidence. The term functions here as a simple narrative detail, yet it contributes to a broader theology of divine guidance in mission: every anchorage, every coastal maneuver, is ordered by the sovereign Lord who directs His servants (Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 37:23). Historical and Nautical Background First-century shipping along the Aegean relied on short hops from port to port, dictated by prevailing winds and daylight. “Putting in” enabled crews to take on water, adjust cargo, and wait for favorable conditions. Samos lay only a few miles off the coast of Asia Minor and offered a natural harbor. From there the party skirted Cape Mycale, rounded the promontory at Trogilium, and then hugged the mainland southward. The verb behind “put in” suits this coast-hugging style of navigation and confirms Luke’s familiarity with maritime practice. Connection to Luke’s Theological Purposes Luke frequently records seafaring terms (for example, Acts 27). By employing precise nautical language, he grounds the unfolding work of the gospel in verifiable history. At the same time, each docking-point—Troas, Assos, Mitylene, Samos, Miletus—functions as a signpost of the gospel’s advance. The Spirit is carrying Paul inexorably toward Jerusalem and ultimately to Rome (Acts 23:11). Thus the simple notation that the party “put in at Samos” illustrates both human planning and divine momentum converging in missionary obedience. Ministry Lessons 1. Faithful travel log, faithful testimony: Luke’s care for small details models integrity in ministry reporting. Whether a missionary newsletter or an elder’s minutes, accuracy honors God. Related Old-Testament and Extrabiblical Parallels Though the specific verb does not appear in the Septuagint, Old-Testament writers often depict God’s servants journeying by sea under His oversight (Jonah 1; Psalm 107:23-30). Classical writers such as Thucydides and Polybius employ similar nautical terms to describe military fleets “putting in” at coastal cities, highlighting the common maritime vocabulary Luke shares with his contemporaries. Doctrinal Implications The single use of this verb reminds readers that Scripture’s inspiration extends to every word, even incidental travel notes. Nothing is superfluous; each element contributes to the trustworthiness of the record and, by extension, to the certainty of the doctrines it upholds (Luke 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:16). Summary Strong’s Greek 3846 captures a moment when Paul’s ship drew alongside Samos on the way to Miletus. This nautical aside illustrates Luke’s historical accuracy, God’s providential guidance, and the missionary team’s disciplined urgency. Far from a throwaway detail, it enriches our confidence in the biblical narrative and supplies practical wisdom for gospel service today. |
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