2860. kolumbaó
Lexical Summary
kolumbaó: To dive, to swim

Original Word: κολυμβάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kolumbaó
Pronunciation: ko-loom-BAH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (kol-oom-bah'-o)
KJV: swim
NASB: swim
Word Origin: [from kolumbos (a diver)]

1. to plunge into water

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
swim.

From kolumbos (a diver); to plunge into water -- swim.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from kolumbos (a diver)
Definition
to plunge into the sea
NASB Translation
swim (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2860: κολυμβάω

κολυμβάω, κολυμβω; to dive, to swim: Acts 27:43. (Plato, Prot., p. 350 a.; Lach., p. 193 c., and in later writings) (Compare: ἐκκολυμβάω.)

Topical Lexicon
Usage in Scripture

The verb appears once in the New Testament, in the account of Paul’s shipwreck off Malta: “He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land” (Acts 27:43). Here the ability to swim becomes the first step in God’s providential preservation of every life on board, fulfilling the promise given earlier through Paul (Acts 27:22).

Historical and Cultural Context

Maritime travel on the Mediterranean was perilous. Ancient historians note that many sailors and virtually all soldiers were non-swimmers; a single storm could mean certain death. Luke’s record shows the Roman centurion acting pragmatically by distinguishing between those “able to swim” and those dependent on floating debris (Acts 27:44). The detail underscores Luke’s accuracy as an historian and heightens the drama of divine deliverance when every life is spared.

Theological Implications in Acts 27

1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Means – God had promised safety, yet natural abilities (swimming) and practical measures (planks and pieces of the ship) are employed. Scripture consistently pairs God’s sovereign purpose with human responsibility (compare Nehemiah 4:9; Philippians 2:12-13).
2. Credibility of Apostolic Witness – Paul’s earlier assurance, “Not a single one of you will be lost” (Acts 27:22), is vindicated. His prophetic credibility strengthens his testimony in Rome.
3. Salvation Imagery – The passage anticipates themes of passing safely through judgment waters (Genesis 7; Exodus 14; Joshua 3). Physical rescue prefigures spiritual salvation accomplished in Christ (1 Peter 3:20-21).

Connections with Old Testament Motifs

Psalm 124:4-5 portrays overwhelming waters as mortal danger from which the Lord delivers.
Isaiah 43:2 promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
Jonah 2:3 depicts sinking beneath waves until God intervenes.

These texts frame swimming or survival at sea as emblematic of God’s saving power.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Encouragement in Crisis – Like the soldiers who trusted the centurion’s command, believers are called to act on God’s promises while employing available means.
• Evangelistic Bridge – Paul’s calm leadership amid disaster models gospel-shaped courage that speaks powerfully to unbelievers facing fear.
• Discipleship – Acts 27 teaches resiliency; God’s servants may endure storms but remain indestructible until their mission is complete (compare 2 Corinthians 11:25).

Church History and Patristic Reflection

Chrysostom noted that Luke’s mention of swimming reveals both the desperation of the moment and God’s meticulous care. Augustine viewed the planks of Acts 27:44 as a figure of the cross that bears sinners safely to shore. Medieval commentators used the scene to illustrate baptismal imagery—believers emerge from chaotic waters into the order of God’s kingdom.

Illustrative Sermon Themes

• “Swimming in the Sovereignty of God” – balancing divine promise and human action.
• “Shipwrecks and Shepherding” – pastoral leadership in crisis.
• “From Storm to Shore” – tracing God’s faithfulness from Acts 27 to present trials.

Recommended Cross-References

2 Corinthians 11:25; Mark 6:48; Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 124:4-5; Jonah 2:3; 1 Peter 3:20-21.

Forms and Transliterations
κολυμβαν κολυμβάν κολυμβᾷν κολυμβᾶν kolumban kolymbā̂in kolymban
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Englishman's Concordance
Acts 27:43 V-PNA
GRK: τοὺς δυναμένους κολυμβᾷν ἀπορίψαντας πρώτους
NAS: who could swim should jump overboard
KJV: that they which could swim should cast
INT: those being able to swim having cast [themselves] off first

Strong's Greek 2860
1 Occurrence


κολυμβᾷν — 1 Occ.

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