Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Location:Syrtis refers to two large gulfs located on the northern coast of Africa, specifically in the region of modern-day Libya. These are known as the Greater Syrtis (Syrtis Major) and the Lesser Syrtis (Syrtis Minor). In ancient times, these areas were notorious for their shallow waters and treacherous sandbanks, which posed significant dangers to maritime navigation.
Biblical Reference:The Syrtis is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. In
Acts 27:17, during Paul's voyage as a prisoner to Rome, the ship he was on encountered a violent storm. The crew, fearing they might run aground on the Syrtis Sands, took precautionary measures: "After hoisting it up, they used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along."
Historical and Geographical Context:The Syrtis Major and Syrtis Minor were well-known hazards in ancient maritime routes. The Greater Syrtis, in particular, was infamous for its quicksands and shifting sandbanks, which could easily trap and wreck ships. Mariners of the time were acutely aware of the dangers posed by these waters, and they often took great care to avoid them.
The region surrounding the Syrtis was sparsely populated in antiquity, with few harbors or settlements. The treacherous nature of the Syrtis contributed to its reputation as a perilous area for sailors. The fear of being driven onto these sandbanks was a legitimate concern for those traveling the Mediterranean Sea, as evidenced by the actions of the crew in
Acts 27.
Theological Significance:The mention of the Syrtis in the account of Paul's journey underscores the perilous nature of his mission and the divine providence that guided him. Despite the natural dangers and the threat of shipwreck, God's purpose for Paul was fulfilled, as he eventually reached Rome to testify about Jesus Christ. This narrative highlights themes of faith, divine protection, and the fulfillment of God's plans despite human fears and obstacles.
Cultural and Symbolic Implications:In a broader sense, the Syrtis can be seen as a symbol of the unpredictable and often dangerous journey of life. Just as ancient mariners had to navigate the physical dangers of the Syrtis, believers are called to navigate spiritual and moral challenges with faith and reliance on God's guidance. The account of Paul's voyage serves as a reminder of the importance of trust in God's sovereignty, even amidst life's storms and uncertainties.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A quicksand.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SYRTISsir'-tis (surtis): the Revised Version (British and American) form for "quicksands" inActs 27:17. These sandbanks, off the northern coast of Africa, have from early times been regarded as a source of danger to mariners. Virgil refers to them (Aen. iv.40). In Paul's voyage, the ship, driven by a tempestuous wind, Euraquilo, was in peril of being cast-upon them.
Greek
4950. Surtis -- "shoal,"Syrtis, the name of two large sandbanks...... "shoal,"
Syrtis, the name of
... Word Origin from suro Definition "shoal,"
Syrtis, the
name of two large sandbanks on the Lybian coast NASB Word Usage
Syrtis (1).
...Library
"Three Years Ago, Sulpitius, at which Time, Leaving this...
... Our destination was Alexandria; but as the south wind was against us, we were almost
driven upon theSyrtis; [85] the cautious sailors, however, guarding...
Acts xxvi. 30-32
... [1158] Rather, "on theSyrtis" (eis ten Surtin.) There were two shoals on the coast
of Africa, called by this name, theSyrtis Major and theSyrtis Minor....
Monnulus of Girba Said: "The Truth of Our Mother...
... Footnotes: [1643] Girba, formerly Meninx (Lotophagitis), an island to the
south-east of the LesserSyrtis belonged to church province of Tripolis. For Bp....
Acts XXVII
... And fearing lest they should fall into theSyrtis, [561] they lowered the sail,
and so were driven." It was just as they were rounding Cape Matala, and...
Index of Subjects.
writings in connection with the donatist controversy. ....
Thesaurus
Syrtis... (n.) A quicksand. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SYRTIS. sir'-tis (surtis): the
Revised Version (British and American) form for "quicksands" in Acts 27:17.
...Quicksands (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Found only in Acts 27:17, the rendering of the
GreekSyrtis.... The LesserSyrtis lay farther to the west. Int....
Syr'tis (1 Occurrence)
Syr'tis.Syrtis, Syr'tis. System . Multi-Version Concordance Syr'tis (1 Occurrence)....
(See RSV).Syrtis, Syr'tis. System . Reference Bible.
Under-girding (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 and when they had hoisted it up, they used helps, under-girding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should be cast upon theSyrtis, they lowered the...
Lowered (14 Occurrences)
... Fearing that they would run aground on theSyrtis sand bars, they lowered the
sea anchor, and so were driven along. (WEB WEY ASV DBY RSV NIV)....
Gear (3 Occurrences)
... 27:17 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird the
ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven on theSyrtis quicksands, they...
Fearing (107 Occurrences)
... Fearing that they would run aground on theSyrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea
anchor, and so were driven along. (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Frapping (1 Occurrence)
... 27:17 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird the
ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven on theSyrtis quicksands, they...
Frapping-cables (1 Occurrence)
... 27:17 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird the
ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven on theSyrtis quicksands, they...
Reinforce (2 Occurrences)
... ship. Fearing that they would run aground on theSyrtis sand bars, they
lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along. (WEB)....
Resources
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