Topical Encyclopedia
A fathom is a unit of measurement traditionally used to measure the depth of water. In biblical times, the fathom was understood as the length of a man's outstretched arms, approximately six feet. While the term "fathom" itself does not appear frequently in the Bible, the concept of measuring depth is present in various passages, particularly in the context of seafaring and maritime activities.
Biblical ContextThe Bible often uses imagery related to the sea and water, which would have been familiar to the people of the ancient Near East, including the Israelites. The sea is depicted as a place of mystery and danger, as well as a source of sustenance and trade. Understanding the depth of water would have been crucial for navigation and fishing, activities that are mentioned in several biblical narratives.
Relevant PassagesWhile the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically use the term "fathom," the concept of measuring depth is implied in passages that describe maritime activities. For example, in
Acts 27, the Apostle Paul is aboard a ship that encounters a storm. The crew takes soundings to measure the depth of the water to avoid running aground:
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Acts 27:28 : "They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was fifteen fathoms deep."
This passage illustrates the practical use of measuring water depth to ensure the safety of the ship and its passengers. The act of taking soundings reflects the ancient practice of using a weighted line to determine the depth of the sea, a method that would have been familiar to sailors of the time.
Symbolic UseIn addition to its practical application, the concept of depth in the Bible often carries symbolic meaning. Depth can represent the vastness and incomprehensibility of God's creation, as well as the profound nature of His wisdom and knowledge. For instance, the psalmist speaks of the depths of the sea as a metaphor for the greatness of God's works:
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Psalm 107:23-24 : "Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep."
Here, the "deep" signifies not only the physical depth of the sea but also the spiritual depth of God's power and majesty.
Cultural and Historical SignificanceIn the ancient world, the ability to measure and understand the sea was crucial for trade and exploration. The Israelites, though not primarily a seafaring people, would have been aware of the importance of maritime activities through their interactions with neighboring cultures such as the Phoenicians, who were renowned for their seafaring skills.
The use of the fathom as a unit of measurement reflects the practical needs of ancient societies to navigate and utilize the sea effectively. It also underscores the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the natural world, including the vast and often unpredictable waters.
ConclusionWhile the term "fathom" itself is not prevalent in the biblical text, the concept of measuring depth is integral to understanding the maritime context of certain passages. The use of depth as both a practical and symbolic element in the Bible highlights the multifaceted nature of God's creation and His dominion over all things, both seen and unseen.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Old A.S. faethm, "bosom, " or the outstretched arms), a span of six feet (
Acts 27:28). Gr. orguia (from orego, "I stretch"), the distance between the extremities of both arms fully stretched out.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A measure of length, containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; -- used chiefly in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings.
2. (n.) The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration.
3. (v. t.) To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span.
4. (n.) The measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
FATHOMfath'-um (orguia): The literal meaning is the length of the outstretched arms, and it was regarded as equal to 4 cubits, or about 6 feet. (Acts 27:28).
SeeWEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Greek
3712. orguia -- afathom (the length of the outstretched arms)... a
fathom (the length of the outstretched arms). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: orguia Phonetic Spelling: (org-wee-ah') Short Definition: a
...Library
What to do with Doubt
... mysteries of His providence. In the natural world we are constantly surrounded
with mysteries that we cannotfathom. The very humblest...
Love in the Triune Being of God.
... " And this is a mystery that men and angels fail tofathom.... We can not describe or
analyze it; we can notfathom or penetrate its hidden essence....
The Eternity of God
... who canfathom it? Mariners have their plummets to measure the depths of the sea;
but what line or plummet shall we use tofathom the depth of eternity?...
Salvation: Grace: Faith
... I have said that we should try to make an effort tofathom the depth of meaning
in this and other familiar commonplace terms of Scripture....
The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes
... into the sea; and, in two minutes time, shook down and destroyed nine-tenths of
the town of Port Royal; the houses sunk outright thirty or fortyfathom deep!...
His Past Work.
... The incarnation is a deep mystery, the depths of which human reason can never
fathom. We must approach it in the spirit of deep reverence....
The Beatific vision. (Continued. )
... We shall, therefore, endeavor tofathom the meaning of St.... Endeavor tofathom the
bliss of the saints when they see themselves like God in so eminent a degree....
"Love that Passeth Knowledge. "
... Who canfathom the depth of those words: "God so loved the world?" We can
never scale the heights of His love orfathom its depths....
"Love and I" --A Mystery
... navigation of this sea. It is not a creek or bay, but the main ocean itself.
We cannot hope tofathom its depths. This is true of...
The Shortest of the Seven Cries
... meaning in each utterance which no man shall be able fully to bring forth, and when
combined they make up a vast deep of thought, which no human line canfathom...
Thesaurus
Fathom (5 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
FATHOM.
... (Acts 27:28). See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Multi-Version Concordance
Fathom (5 Occurrences).
...Fathers'
Fathomed (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofFathom. Multi-Version Concordance
Fathomed (2 Occurrences). Job 5:9 who does great things...
Depths (56 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Job 11:7 "Can youfathom the mystery of
God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty? (See NAS)....
Mysteries (11 Occurrences)
... and of want. (WEY). Job 11:7 "Can youfathom the mystery of God? Or can
you probe the limits of the Almighty? (See NIV). Job 12:22...
Plumb (6 Occurrences)
... sound with a plumb or plummet, as the depth of water; hence, to examine by test;
to ascertain the depth, quality, dimension, etc.; to sound; tofathom; to test...
Probe (6 Occurrences)
... after my sin? (See NIV). Job 11:7 "Can youfathom the mystery of God? Or can
you probe the limits of the Almighty? (WEB NIV). Psalms 17...
Sound (1245 Occurrences)
... Sound. 13. (vt) To measure the depth of; tofathom; especially, to ascertain
the depth of by means of a line and plummet. 14. (vt...
Span (14 Occurrences)
... 1. (v.) imp. & pp of Spin. 2. (n.) The space from the thumb to the end of the
little finger when extended; nine inches; eighth of afathom....
Snow (25 Occurrences)
... elements of Nature is often brought out in the Old Testament: "For he saith to the
snow, Fall thou on the earth" (Job 37:6); but man cannotfathom the works of...
Resources
Does God make mistakes? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God strike Uzzah dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.orgFathom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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