Lexical Summary dithalassos: Double-minded, unstable Original Word: δίθᾰλασσος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance where two seas meet. From dis and thalassa; having two seas, i.e. A sound with a double outlet -- where two seas meet. see GREEK dis see GREEK thalassa NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dis and thalassa Definition divided into two seas, dividing the sea (as a reef) NASB Translation where two seas met (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1337: διθάλασσοςδιθάλασσος, διθάλασσον (δίς and θάλασσα) 1. resembling (or forming) two seas: thus of the Euxine Sea, Strabo 2, 5, 22; Dionysius Periegetes, 156. 2. lying between two seas, i. e. washed by the sea on both sides (Dio Chrysostom 5, p. 83): τόπος διθάλασσος, an isthmus or tongue of land, the extremity of which is covered by the waves, Acts 27:41; others understand here a projecting reef or bar against which the waves dash on both sides; in opposition cf. Meyer at the passage (In Clement. hom., p. 20, Dressel edition (Ep. Petr. ad Jacob. § 14), men ἀλογιστοι καί ἐνδοιαζοντες περί τῶν τῆς ἀληθείας ἐπαγγελματων are allegorically styled τόποι διθαλασσοι δέ καί θηριωδεις.) While the term occurs only once in the New Testament, it paints a vivid geographical picture: a stretch of land lying “between two seas.” The expression brings to mind a narrow isthmus or shoal flanked by opposing bodies of water, an image rich with both literal and metaphorical significance. Biblical Occurrence Acts 27:41 recounts the climactic moment of Paul’s voyage to Rome: “But the vessel struck a sandbar between the two seas and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken by the pounding of the waves” (Berean Standard Bible). The phrase “between the two seas” translates our word and pinpoints the exact feature that brought the Alexandrian grain ship to a halt. Historical Context of Paul’s Voyage Luke’s record (Acts 27) details an Imperial grain ship transporting Paul, fellow prisoners, crew, and passengers (276 souls in all) from Crete toward Italy. After a fortnight of violent weather, they neared the island of Malta. Mariners recognized a bay with a beach (later identified with modern St. Paul’s Bay). The hidden shoal between converging currents created twin inlets, a treacherous trap for unwary vessels. For seasoned sailors, such a spot could spell either deliverance—if the shore were reached—or destruction—if the sandbar stopped the ship too far from land. In the providence of God, it served both: the ship was lost, yet every life was preserved (Acts 27:22, 44). Geographic Considerations Malta’s northeastern coast features narrow submerged ridges where opposing wave action piles sand into underwater mounds. Ancient navigators lacking charts would rely on depth soundings (Acts 27:28). Luke’s detail about the vessel driving aground at a διθάλασσος suggests firsthand observation and supports the historicity of the narrative. Archaeological dives in St. Paul’s Bay have recovered Roman anchors, corroborating Luke’s description of jettisoned gear (Acts 27:29, 40). Spiritual Insights 1. Divine Sovereignty in Peril. God used a hidden shoal to bring a heathen crew to the exact place of rescue. What appears as random hazard is under His rule (Job 38:8–11; Psalm 107:23–30). Ministry Application • Leadership in Crisis. Paul, a prisoner, becomes the de facto captain, urging sailors and soldiers alike (Acts 27:33–38). Ministry today likewise requires spiritual authority that transcends social rank. Related Biblical Themes Shipwreck: Jonah 1:4–16; 1 Timothy 1:19 Divine deliverance at sea: Psalm 107:23–32; Matthew 14:22–33 Providential detours: Genesis 50:20; Philippians 1:12–13 The lone appearance of this vivid nautical term thus anchors a narrative that exalts God’s providence, undergirds apostolic authority, and offers perennial lessons for faith and ministry. |
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