Lexical Summary zeuktéria: Yoke, pair, team Original Word: ζευκτηρία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance band. Feminine of a derivative (at the second stage) from the same as zugos; a fastening (tiller-rope) -- band. see GREEK zugos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zeuktérios (fit for joining); from the same as zugos Definition bands, ropes NASB Translation ropes (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2202: ζευκτηρίαζευκτηρία, ζευκτηρίας, ἡ (from the adjective ζευκτήριος, fit for joining or binding together), a band, fastening: Acts 27:40. Found nowhere else. Topical Lexicon Etymology and Semantic Range A nautical term drawn from classical maritime vocabulary, the word denotes the flexible gear that fastened or braced a ship’s twin steering oars (rudders). While broader Greek usage could refer to harness-straps or yokes, the New Testament instance clearly belongs to the seafaring domain, emphasizing the mechanism that joined rudders to the vessel and kept them secured when not in active use. Biblical Occurrence and Narrative Context Acts 27:40 records the sole New Testament appearance: “After cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea, and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach”. The moment is part of Luke’s vivid account of Paul’s perilous voyage to Rome. As the Alexandrian grain ship nears the shoals off Malta, the crew performs four rapid maneuvers: discarding anchors, loosening the rudder-lashings, raising the foresail, and heading for shore. The release of the ζευκτηρίαι marks the transition from passive drifting to active steering—an urgent bid to guide the vessel toward safety under providential winds. Ancient Maritime Practices Mediterranean ships of the first century typically carried two large side-mounted steering oars. In heavy weather these could be hauled out of the water and secured with lashings to prevent damage. When navigation resumed, the restraining ropes were cast off. Classical writers (e.g., Polybius, Strabo) describe identical procedures, underscoring Luke’s nautical precision. Such detail corroborates his eye-witness quality and situates Acts within verifiable maritime culture. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency The loosening of the rudder-bonds illustrates the balanced interplay between God’s overarching purpose and responsible human action. Though an angel had promised Paul that all would be saved (Acts 27:23-24), the crew still had to cut anchors and free the rudders. Scripture consistently unites God’s sure promises with the call to obedient effort (compare Philippians 2:12-13). 2. Steering as a Metaphor for Direction of Life James invokes the ship’s rudder to symbolize governing the tongue (James 3:4). By releasing the rudder-lashings, the sailors reclaimed directional control—an image of believers submitting their speech and conduct to the Master’s hand rather than letting circumstances dictate drift (Hebrews 2:1). 3. Faith under Trial The act occurs in a crisis. Only when every human safeguard seemed exhausted did the crew remove final restraints and commit to God’s wind. The episode mirrors the believer’s surrender amid storms, trusting the Lord who “commands even the winds and the water” (Luke 8:25). Pastoral and Practical Application • Discern the right moment to act. Just as the ropes were loosened neither prematurely nor too late, wisdom calls for Spirit-led timing in decisions (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Related Scriptures and Concepts Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 33:23; Jonah 1:13; Matthew 14:28-33; 1 Peter 5:6-7. Historical Witness Early Christian commentators such as Chrysostom noted Luke’s technical accuracy, using it to defend the reliability of Acts. Modern nautical studies confirm that the procedure described remains sound. Thus ζευκτηρία stands as a small yet sturdy thread weaving together historical authenticity, doctrinal depth, and pastoral encouragement. Forms and Transliterations ζευκτηριας ζευκτηρίας zeukterias zeukterías zeuktērias zeuktēríasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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