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◄ The Syrtis►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Syrtis refers to two large, treacherous gulfs located on the northern coast of Africa, in the region of modern-day Libya. These are known as the Greater Syrtis (Syrtis Major) and the Lesser Syrtis (Syrtis Minor). In biblical times, these areas were notorious for their dangerous sandbanks and shallow waters, which posed significant hazards to ancient mariners.

Biblical Reference:

The Syrtis is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the Apostle Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome. InActs 27:17, the crew of the ship carrying Paul took precautions to avoid being driven into the Syrtis sands during a violent storm. The passage reads: "After hoisting it up, they used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing 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 in antiquity for their shifting sandbanks and unpredictable currents. The Greater Syrtis, in particular, was a large gulf extending into the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by the region of Cyrenaica to the east and the region of Tripolitania to the west. The Lesser Syrtis, located to the west of the Greater Syrtis, was smaller but equally perilous.

These gulfs were part of the larger maritime routes used by ancient traders and travelers navigating the Mediterranean. The fear of being caught in the Syrtis was not unfounded, as many ships were lost to its hidden dangers. Mariners often took great care to avoid these areas, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the mention of the Syrtis underscores the severity of the storm faced by Paul and his companions. The decision to undergird the ship and lower the sea anchor reflects the desperate measures taken to prevent disaster. This account highlights the vulnerability of human endeavors against the forces of nature and serves as a testament to God's providence and protection over Paul, who was destined to reach Rome as part of his mission to spread the Gospel.

The Syrtis, therefore, serves as a symbol of the trials and uncertainties faced by believers, reminding them of the need for faith and reliance on God's guidance through life's storms. The Apostle Paul's experience on this journey is often seen as an illustration of steadfast faith and divine deliverance, themes that resonate deeply within the Christian tradition.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The Syrtis

(Acts 27:17) in the Revised Version in place of "quicksands" in the Authorized Version. It was the well-knownSyrtis Major , the terror of all Mediterranean sailors. "It is a dangerous shallow on the coast of Africa, between Tripoli and Barca, southwest of the island of Crete." The other SyrtisSyrtis Minor , was too far west to be feared by Paul's fellow voyagers. --ED.

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 UsageSyrtis (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...