βολίζω
bolízō
G1001 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To take depth measurements using a weighted line, specifically to measure the depth of water by lowering a lead plummet (sounding line), primarily used in nautical contexts. The core meaning is to determine depth by means of a sounding lead, with extended reference to the act of making such measurements while navigating.
Semantic Range
to heave the lead, to measure depth with a sounding line, to take soundings at sea
Root / Etymology
Derived from βολίς (bolís, a missile, dart, or plummet), meaning a missile or weighted object, with the verb suffix -ίζω, indicating 'to use as, or act by means of'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
βολίζω is a nautical technical term attested in Koine Greek, notably in the New Testament (Acts 27:28) describing maritime practice: sailors would use a weighted line (a lead plummet, 'βολίς') to measure ('sound') the depth of the water, especially when near shore or in uncertain waters. The term does not appear in classical Greek; its first attestation is in late Hellenistic and Roman-period nautical contexts. Earlier Greek employs other methods or terminology for measuring depth at sea. The Latin loan 'bolizare' is likewise limited to nautical manuals. In English translations, the idiom 'to sound' or 'to take soundings' reflects older maritime terminology and may obscure the concrete Greek image of heaving a lead weight. The word is functionally synonymous with later nautical terms for depth measurement but is relatively rare, used exclusively in the context of seafaring.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from βολίς; to heave the lead:--sound.
Root Family
βολιζ- (bolízō) — to measure, to determine, to use a plummet
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1001-01 |
βολίσαντες | bolisantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
they took soundings | having taken depth-soundings | having taken depth-soundings | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1001-01 |
Acts 27:28 | βολίσαντες | bolisantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
they took soundings | having taken depth-soundings | having taken depth-soundings |
G1001-01 |
Acts 27:28 | βολίσαντες | bolisantes-2 | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
they took soundings | having taken depth-soundings | having taken depth-soundings |