εὐθυδρομέω
euthydroméō
G2113 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To travel or proceed in a straight course, especially by sea; to navigate or move directly toward a destination without deviation. In broader contexts, can refer to taking the most direct or efficient route, whether in navigation, travel, or metaphorical use.
Semantic Range
to sail directly, to travel in a straight course, to proceed straight without deviation (especially by sea)
Root / Etymology
Formed from εὐθύς ('straight', 'direct') and δρόμος ('course', 'way', 'race'). The verb suffix -έω indicates the act of moving or proceeding in a straight course. Thus, 'to proceed straight (on a course)'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
εὐθυδρομέω is a late and rare compound, primarily attested in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, notably in Acts 16:11 and 21:1 in the New Testament, with similar occurrences in maritime papyri and technical literature. It describes the action of sailing on a direct route, explicitly drawing contrast to erratic or circuitous navigation that accounted for wind, current, or obstacles. The term does not possess significant usage in Classical Greek literature. In the Septuagint, it does not occur, but related forms echo the sense of direct or straightforward movement. Standard English translations such as 'sailed straight' or '(came) with a straight course' correctly capture the nautical context, but the verb could theoretically be applied in other contexts of travel or progress—though such uses are unattested in the NT or LXX. The language reflects the technical vocabulary of Hellenistic navigation, where sailing 'εὐθυδρομεῖν' stood for making a direct passage when conditions permitted, in contrast to tacking or beating around obstacles. The meaning remains closely tied to maritime journeys and does not carry metaphorical or figurative senses in extant Koine literature. The verb is distinct from other navigation-related terms such as πλεῖν (to sail, to travel by ship) by its emphasis on directness and avoidance of detour.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὐθύς and δρόμος; to lay a straight course, i.e. sail direct:--(come) with a straight course.
Root Family
εὐθυδρομέω (euthydromeō) — straight, course, journey, run
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2113-01 |
εὐθυδρομήσαμεν | euthudromesamen | V AOR ACT IND 1P PL |
we ran a straight course | we proceeded straight | we ran a straight course | 1 |
G2113-02 |
εὐθυδρομήσαντες | euthudromesantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having sailed straight | having proceeded straight | having sailed straight | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2113-01 |
Acts 16:11 | εὐθυδρομήσαμεν | euthudromesamen | V AOR ACT IND 1P PL |
we ran a straight course | we proceeded straight | we ran a straight course |
G2113-02 |
Acts 21:1 | εὐθυδρομήσαντες | euthudromesantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having sailed straight | having proceeded straight | having sailed straight |