κολυμβάω
kolymbáō
G2860 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To swim, to move through water by coordinated movements of the body or limbs. The base meaning is to propel oneself in water. Depending on context, it can range from leisurely or skilled swimming to any action involving movement or traversal within water.
Semantic Range
to swim, to propel oneself in water, to move about in water, to traverse water by swimming
Root / Etymology
From the root κολυμβ-, probably connected to words for diving or immersion, such as κολυμβήθρα (pool, cistern) and κολυμβῶν (diver). Related to the verb κολυμβάω (to swim), suggesting a primary sense of movement in water. The ultimate etymology is uncertain but seems distinctively Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Used rarely in classical and Hellenistic literature; does not appear in the Septuagint but does occur in the New Testament (e.g., John 21:7, Acts 27:43) to describe physical swimming. In these contexts, κολυμβάω always refers to swimming as a natural human (or sometimes animal) action, not to ritual washing or immersion, for which other roots (βαπτ-) are used. It does not carry metaphorical meanings in surviving Koine sources. English Bible translations have consistently rendered it as 'swim,' which accurately reflects the sense in the passages where it occurs. The related noun κολυμβήθρα refers to a pool or a place suited for swimming or bathing. The verb carries no connotation of formal exercise or competitive swimming as in modern usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (a diver); to plunge into water:--swim.
Root Family
κολυμβάω (kolymbaō) — to swim, to move through water, to propel oneself in water
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2860-01 |
κολυμβᾶν | kolumban | V PRS ACT INF |
swim | to be swimming | to be swimming | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2860-01 |
Acts 27:43 | κολυμβᾶν | kolumban | V PRS ACT INF |
swim | to be swimming | to be swimming |