Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical times, a rudder is a crucial component of a ship, used to steer and navigate through the waters. Although the term "rudder" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept and function of a rudder are implied in various passages that discuss ships and navigation.
Biblical References and SymbolismThe rudder, as a tool for steering a ship, is symbolically significant in the Bible. It represents guidance, direction, and control, much like the role of divine wisdom and the Holy Spirit in guiding the lives of believers. The Apostle James uses the imagery of a ship's rudder to illustrate the power of the tongue in
James 3:4-5 : "Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things."
This passage highlights the disproportionate influence of the rudder compared to the size of the ship, drawing a parallel to the tongue's ability to direct the course of one's life. Just as a rudder determines the direction of a ship, the words we speak can shape our destiny and impact those around us.
Historical ContextIn ancient times, ships were vital for trade, travel, and military endeavors. The rudder, typically a flat piece of wood or metal attached to the stern, was manipulated by a tiller or wheel to change the vessel's direction. The effectiveness of a rudder was essential for navigating the often unpredictable and treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea, which is frequently mentioned in the Bible.
The Apostle Paul's journeys, as recorded in the Book of Acts, often involved sea travel. For instance, in
Acts 27, Paul is aboard a ship caught in a violent storm. The crew's struggle to control the ship amidst the tempest underscores the importance of a rudder in maintaining course and ensuring safety.
Spiritual ApplicationThe rudder's role in steering a ship serves as a metaphor for the necessity of spiritual guidance in a believer's life. Just as a ship requires a rudder to navigate the seas, Christians rely on the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to direct their paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
In this light, the rudder symbolizes the importance of submitting to God's will and seeking His direction in all aspects of life. By doing so, believers can navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life with confidence and assurance, knowing that they are being guided by the ultimate Pilot.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly mention the rudder, its symbolic significance as a tool for guidance and direction is evident throughout Scripture. The imagery of a rudder steering a ship serves as a powerful reminder of the influence of our words and the necessity of divine guidance in our lives.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Rudder bands
Ancient ships had two great broad-bladed oars for rudders. These, when not in use, were lifted out of the water and bound or tied up. When required for use, these bands were unloosed and the rudders allowed to drop into the water (Acts 27:40).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A riddle or sieve.
2. (n.) The mechanical appliance by means of which a vessel is guided or steered when in motion. It is a broad and flat blade made of wood or iron, with a long shank, and is fastened in an upright position, usually by one edge, to the sternpost of the vessel in such a way that it can be turned from side to side in the water by means of a tiller, wheel, or other attachment.
3. (n.) Fig.: That which resembles a rudder as a guide or governor; that which guides or governs the course.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BANDS OF RUDDERSeeRUDDER.
RUDDER; RUDDER-BANDS
rud'-er.
SeeSHIPS AND BOATS, III, 2, (3).
Greek
4079. pedalion -- arudder... a
rudder. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: pedalion Phonetic Spelling:
(pay-dal'-ee-on) Short Definition: the
rudder of a ship Definition: the
...Library
November 23. "It is High Time to Awake Out of Sleep" (Rom. xiii....
... It is the wind that carries the ship across the waves; but the wind is powerless
unless the hand of the boatman is held firmly upon therudder, and thatrudder...
But if it Seems Difficult for You to Understand This...
... resemble a ship which has been constructed by the builder and launched into the
deep, which, however, it is impossible to navigate without therudder, by which...
How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and...
... previously, And thou shalt be as one that sleepeth in the midst of the sea, and
as a steersman that is lulled to rest, having let go therudder (Proverbs 23:35...
Self-Denial.
... As the steamship is turned about by therudder, which is swung by the means of a
wheel, so there is within our being arudder, or whatever you may call it...
Christian Morals. Part I.
... In this virtuous voyage of thy life hull not about like the ark, without
the use ofrudder, mast, or sail, and bound for no port....
Of Internal Acts
... How is the pilot now employed? He is content with spreading the sails and
holding therudder. To spread the sails is to lay one's...
A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved
... And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea,
and loosed therudder-bands, and noised up the main-sail to the wind, and made...
Acts xxvi. 30-32
... And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea,
and loosed therudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made...
Of Heathen Repentance.
... And thus, voyaging all the universal course of life without therudder of reason,
they know not how to shun the hurricane which is impending over the world....
Introduction.
... Make the Word of God your compass, and obedience therudder that steers your little
bark in all the ways God's commandments point you; and make faith the...
Thesaurus
Rudder (2 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary
Rudder bands.
... 3. (n.) Fig.: That which resembles a
rudder as a guide or governor; that which guides or governs the course. Int.
...Rudder-bands
Rudder-bands. Rudderbands,Rudder-bands. Rudders . Int. Standard Bible
EncyclopediaRUDDER;RUDDER-BANDS. rud'-er. See SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 2, (3)....
Rudderbands
Rudderbands.Rudder, Rudderbands.Rudder-bands . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
RUDDER;RUDDER-BANDS. rud'-er. See SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 2, (3)....
Bands (130 Occurrences)
... Israel. BANDS OFRUDDER. SeeRUDDER. BANDS, BEAUTY AND. See BEAUTY AND BANDS.
Multi-Version Concordance Bands (130 Occurrences). Mark...
Ruby (5 Occurrences)
Yoke (79 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A frame or convex piece by which a bell is hung for ringing it. See Illust.
of Bell. 6. (n.) A crosspiece upon the head of a boat'srudder....
Navigation (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The management of sails,rudder, etc.; the mechanics of traveling by water;
seamanship. 4. (n.) Ships in general. Multi-Version Concordance...
Untying (5 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Acts 27:40 Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea,
at the same time untying therudder ropes. Hoisting up the...
Loosed (41 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto
the sea, and loosed therudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind...
Guided (86 Occurrences)
... James 3:4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce
winds, are yet guided by a very smallrudder, wherever the pilot desires....
Resources
Is joking a sin? What does the Bible say about telling jokes? | GotQuestions.orgRudder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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