Topical Encyclopedia
A fathom is a unit of measurement used primarily in nautical contexts 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. This measurement was crucial for navigation, especially in the context of ancient seafaring, where understanding the depth of water was essential for safe passage.
Biblical Reference:The term "fathoms" is specifically mentioned in the New Testament, in the account of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. In
Acts 27, Paul is being transported as a prisoner by ship when they encounter a violent storm. As the ship approaches land, the crew takes soundings to measure the depth of the water:
"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." (
Acts 27:28)
This passage highlights the practical use of fathoms in ancient navigation. The crew's use of soundings to measure the depth indicates their concern for the ship's safety as they neared land, where shallower waters could pose a risk of running aground.
Historical and Cultural Context:In the ancient world, seafaring was a perilous endeavor, and accurate measurements of water depth were vital for avoiding underwater hazards. The use of a lead line, a rope with a lead weight, was a common method for taking soundings. The line would be marked at intervals, often in fathoms, allowing sailors to determine the depth by the number of marks that submerged.
The mention of fathoms in the Bible reflects the broader historical context of maritime travel in the Mediterranean region. The Apostle Paul's journeys, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, provide insight into the challenges faced by early Christians as they spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire. The use of nautical terms and measurements underscores the authenticity and historical accuracy of these accounts.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the account of Paul's shipwreck in
Acts 27 can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian journey. Just as sailors relied on soundings to navigate safely through treacherous waters, believers are called to rely on God's guidance through the uncertainties of life. The passage serves as a reminder of God's providence and protection, even in the midst of trials and adversity.
The use of fathoms in this narrative also illustrates the importance of practical wisdom and discernment. While faith is central to the Christian life, the Bible encourages believers to use their God-given abilities and resources to navigate the challenges they face. The crew's careful measurement of the water depth exemplifies the balance between faith and reason, trust in God, and responsible action.
Greek
3712. orguia -- a fathom (the length of the outstretched arms)... long. Word Origin from orego Definition a fathom (the length of the
outstretched arms) NASB Word Usage
fathoms (2). a fathom. From
...Library
The Voyage and Shipwreck
... about midnight" the sailors, hearing the sound of breakers, "deemed that they drew
near to some country; and sounded, and found it twentyfathoms: and when...
Acts xxvi. 30-32
... we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they
drew near to some country; and sounded, and found it twentyfathoms; and when...
Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem...
... We are told that the sailors "sounded and found it twentyfathoms, and when they
had gone a little farther, they sounded, and found it fifteenfathoms." [144:2...
Acts XXVII
... along in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors supposed that they were drawing
near to some land; (28) and having sounded, they found it twentyfathoms....
Perseverance of Saints.
... And sounded, and found it twentyfathoms: and when they had gone a little further,
they sounded again, and found it fifteenfathoms.29....
(And Last): Homeward Bound
... An upheaval of only fortyfathoms would, I believe, join all these islands to each
other, and to the great mountain island of Porto Rico to the west....
Outward Bound
... beneath, deeper under our feet than the summit of the Peak of Teneriffe was above
our heads"for we were now in more than two thousandfathoms water"what...
The Word in Eternity, in the World, and in the Flesh
... Clearly, too, no interpretation of these wordsfathoms their depth, or makes worthy
sense, which does not recognise that the Word is a person....
The Rainbow
... springs. How glorious is thy girdle, cast O'er mountain, tower, and town,
Or mirror'd in the ocean vast A thousandfathoms down! As...
My High Tower
... think; In deep unspoken language, known only to that Love. Whofathoms the
heart's mystery from the Throne of Light above. His Spirit...
Thesaurus
Fathoms (1 Occurrence)...Fathoms (1 Occurrence). Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twenty
fathoms.
After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen
fathoms.
...Fishing (4 Occurrences)
... The cone thus formed encloses such fish as cannot escape the quick throw of the
fisher. (b) A long net or seine of one or twofathoms depth, leaded on one edge...
Fifteen (26 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV). Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twentyfathoms. After a little
while, they took soundings again, and found fifteenfathoms....
Twenty (282 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twentyfathoms. After a little
while, they took soundings again, and found fifteenfathoms....
Sounding (99 Occurrences)
... Sounding (99 Occurrences). Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twentyfathoms.
After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteenfathoms....
Space (98 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Acts 27:28 and they sounded, and found twentyfathoms; and after
a little space, they sounded again, and found fifteenfathoms. (ASV)....
Soundings (1 Occurrence)
... Soundings (1 Occurrence). Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twentyfathoms.
After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteenfathoms....
Sounded (66 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Acts 27:28 And sounded, and found it twentyfathoms: and when they
had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteenfathoms....
Farther (33 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:28 and having sounded found twentyfathoms, and having gone a little farther
and having again sounded they found fifteenfathoms; (DBY YLT NAS RSV)....
Later (89 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS). Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twentyfathoms. After a little
while, they took soundings again, and found fifteenfathoms. (See NIV)....
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