Topical Encyclopedia
The act of sailing, as referenced in the Bible, primarily pertains to the journeys undertaken across bodies of water, often for purposes of trade, travel, or missionary work. Sailing in biblical times was a significant mode of transportation, especially in the Mediterranean region, which was central to many of the events recorded in the Scriptures.
Biblical Context1.
Old Testament References: While the Old Testament does not frequently mention sailing, it does allude to maritime activities. For instance, King Solomon's fleet is noted for its voyages to Ophir, bringing back gold and other treasures (
1 Kings 9:26-28). This indicates the use of ships for trade and the wealth that such endeavors could bring.
2.
New Testament Journeys: The New Testament provides more detailed accounts of sailing, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. The Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys often involved travel by sea. For example,
Acts 27 provides a detailed narrative of Paul's voyage to Rome, including the shipwreck he experienced. "When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment" (
Acts 27:1).
3.
Symbolism and Metaphor: Sailing can also be seen as a metaphor for the journey of faith, with the sea representing the challenges and uncertainties of life. The act of sailing, therefore, can symbolize trust in God’s guidance and providence, as seen in the calming of the storm by Jesus (
Mark 4:35-41).
Cultural and Historical Insights·
Ship Design and Navigation: Ships in biblical times were primarily powered by sails and oars. The design of these vessels was influenced by the need to navigate the often unpredictable Mediterranean Sea. Mariners relied on the stars for navigation, as well as their knowledge of the sea and weather patterns.
·
Economic Importance: Sailing was crucial for trade and the spread of cultures. The exchange of goods, ideas, and beliefs was facilitated by maritime routes, which connected distant lands and peoples.
·
Challenges of Sailing: The Bible acknowledges the perils of sea travel. Storms, shipwrecks, and piracy were constant threats. Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta (
Acts 27:39-44) highlights the dangers faced by ancient mariners.
Theological Implications·
Divine Providence: The accounts of sailing in the Bible often emphasize God’s sovereignty and protection. For instance, during Paul’s shipwreck, an angel assures him of safety, saying, "Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you" (
Acts 27:24).
·
Missionary Work: Sailing was instrumental in the spread of the Gospel. The early Christian missionaries, including Paul, utilized maritime routes to reach new regions, fulfilling the Great Commission to "go and make disciples of all nations" (
Matthew 28:19).
In summary, sailing in the Bible is depicted as both a practical means of transportation and a rich metaphor for the spiritual journey. It underscores themes of faith, divine guidance, and the spread of the Gospel across the known world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Sail.
Greek
5284. hupopleo -- to sail under (ie under the lee of)... Word Origin from hupo and pleo Definition to sail under (ie under the lee of) NASB
Word Usage
sailed under (2),
sailed under the shelter (2). sail under.
...1602. ekpleo -- to sail away
... Word Origin from ek and pleo Definition to sail away NASB Word Usage put
out to sea (1),sailed (1),sailed away (1). sail away....
2787. kibotos -- a wooden box
... kibotos Phonetic Spelling: (kib-o-tos') Short Definition: an ark Definition: (properly:
a wooden box, hence) the Ark, in which Noahsailed; the Ark of the...
1277. diapleo -- to sail across
... Word Origin from dia and pleo Definition to sail across NASB Word Usagesailed through
(1). to sail through. From dia and pleo; to sail through -- sail over....
2668. katapleo -- to sail down
... seas to the shore). Word Origin from kata and pleo Definition to sail down
NASB Word Usagesailed (1). arrive. From kata and pleo...
1020. braduploeo -- to sail slowly
... slowly. Word Origin from bradus and a root akin to pleo Definition to sail
slowly NASB Word Usagesailed slowly (1). sail slowly....
636. apopleo -- to sail away
... sail away. Word Origin from apo and pleo Definition to sail away NASB Word
Usage sail (1),sailed (2), sailing (1). sail away. From...
4022. perierchomai -- to go about
... Word Origin from peri and erchomai Definition to go about NASB Word Usage go around
(1),sailed around (1), went from place to place (1), went about (1)....
Library
How Herod TwiceSailed to Agrippa; and How Upon the Complaint in...
... CHAPTER 2. How Herod TwiceSailed To Agrippa; And How Upon The Complaint In
Ionia Against The Greeks Agrippa Confirmed The Laws To Them....
How HerodSailed Out of Italy to Judea, and Fought with Antigonus...
... CHAPTER 15. How HerodSailed Out Of Italy To Judea, And Fought With Antigonus
And What Other Things Happened In Judea About That Time....
How the People Raised a Sedition against Archelaus, and How He...
... Banishment Of Archelaus. CHAPTER 9. How The People Raised A Sedition Against
Archelaus, And How HeSailed To Rome. 1. At this time...
Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
... And havingsailed from Gaudomeleta, he did not now come through Africa to the parts
of Italy, but ran to Sicily, until he came to the city of Syracuse with the...
Acts xx. 1
... "And wesailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto
them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days... "And we,sailed," etc....
Acts XXVII
... 4. "And having put to sea from that place, wesailed under the lee of Cyprus, because
the winds were contrary." As the proper course of the ship was westward...
Quaker City Excursion
... State furnished us with letters commending us to the attention of the foreign
governments which we might visit, and on the eighth day of June wesailed out of...
The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... The other day, theresailed down the Thames as stout a vessel as had ever
ploughed the deep. The good ship "Amazon," hadsailed...
Trip through Europe and the Holy Land
... Jerusalem, where they were joined by Miss Dickinson of Utica, NY, and the three
traveled together from April 1, 1896 to July 4, when theysailed for America....
Acts xviii. 18
... Homily XL. Acts XVIII. 18. Acts XVIII.18 "And Paul after this tarried there yet
a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, andsailed thence into...
Thesaurus
Sailed (28 Occurrences)...Sailed (28 Occurrences). Mark 6:32 Accordingly they
sailed away in the boat to a
solitary place apart. (WEY). Luke 8:23 But as they
sailed, he fell asleep.
...Over-against (156 Occurrences)
... of God.' (YLT). Luke 8:26 And theysailed down to the region of the Gadarenes,
that is over-against Galilee, (YLT). Luke 19:30 having...
Sail (32 Occurrences)
... 9. (n.) To be conveyed in a vessel on water; to pass by water; as, theysailed from
London to Canton. 10. (n.) To set sail; to begin a voyage. 11....
Cnidus (1 Occurrence)
... A town and harbour on the extreme south-west of the peninsula of Doris in Asia Minor.
Paulsailed past it on his voyage to Rome after leaving Myra (Acts 27:7)....
Thence (152 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Acts 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,
departed unto Seleucia; and from thence theysailed to Cyprus....
Lee (3 Occurrences)
... Lee (3 Occurrences). Acts 27:4 Putting to sea from there, wesailed under the lee
of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. (WEB WEY ASV DBY RSV NIV)....
Troas (6 Occurrences)
... From here, according to Acts 16:8, Paulsailed.... The port from which Paulsailed was
constructed by means of a mole, with an outer and an inner basin....
Tarried (42 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his
leave of the brethren, andsailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla...
Salmone (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A promontory on the east of Crete, under which Paulsailed
on his voyage to Rome (Acts 27:7); the modern Cape Sidero. Int....
Shelter (36 Occurrences)
... Shelter (36 Occurrences). Acts 27:4 Putting to sea from there, wesailed under
the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. (See NAS)....
Resources
What happened on Paul's first missionary journey? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on Paul's second missionary journey? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.orgSailed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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