Lexical Summary nauageó: To suffer shipwreck Original Word: ναυαγέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance shipwreck. From a compound of naus and ago; to be shipwrecked (stranded, "navigate"), literally or figuratively -- make (suffer) shipwreck. see GREEK naus see GREEK ago NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom naus and agnumi (to break) Definition to suffer shipwreck NASB Translation shipwrecked (1), suffered shipwreck (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3489: ναυαγέωναυαγέω, ναυάγω: 1 aorist ἐναυαγης; (from ναυαγός shipwrecked; and this from ναῦς, and ἄγνυμι to break); frequent in Greek writings from Aeschylus and Herodotus down, to suffer shipwreck: properly, 2 Corinthians 11:25; metaphorically, περί τήν πίστιν (as respects (A. V. concerning, see περί, II. b.) the faith), 1 Timothy 1:19. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3489 depicts the catastrophic loss of a vessel at sea and, by extension, the ruin that overtakes a life or ministry when faith and a clear conscience are abandoned. New Testament Occurrences • 2 Corinthians 11:25 – “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea.” Historical Setting: First-Century Seafaring Commerce, military movement, and missionary travel relied heavily on coastal shipping routes that were perilous from autumn through early spring. Ships were powered by sail and oar, navigated by rudimentary charts, and highly vulnerable to sudden Mediterranean storms. A shipwreck meant not only loss of cargo but often loss of life; even survivors could be stranded for weeks, far from ports or supplies. Paul’s repeated maritime disasters underscore both the common danger of sea travel and the extraordinary perseverance demanded of itinerant apostolic ministry. Paul’s Personal Testimony (2 Corinthians 11:25) Written before the Acts 27 wreck on Malta, Paul’s catalog of hardships reveals at least three earlier nautical disasters. His endurance confirms the authenticity of his apostleship and offers a tangible example of the Lord’s sustaining grace amid physical peril. For churches wrestling with false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13), Paul’s scarred résumé lends weight to his message and models steadfast service that does not shrink from risk. Pastoral Warning to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:19) In Ephesus, doctrinal error threatened to capsize fledgling believers. By coupling “faith and a good conscience,” Paul identifies correct belief and moral integrity as twin bulwarks. To jettison either is to puncture the hull. Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1:20) illustrate how persistent rebellion can strand professing Christians on spiritual shoals. The verb’s vivid imagery conveys finality: once a vessel breaks apart mid-sea, retrieval is humanly impossible. Thus Timothy must teach, correct, and if necessary discipline in order to prevent ruin. Theological Significance 1. Perseverance: Faith is portrayed not as a harbor but a voyage; hazards are expected, yet Christ remains the Captain who brings His people safely to shore (compare Hebrews 2:10). Pastoral and Practical Applications • Discernment: Test teachings against “the trustworthy word” (Titus 1:9) to avoid doctrinal shoals. Symbolic and Typological Connections • Noah’s ark and the Church: both divinely designed vessels that carry the righteous through judgment waters. Church-Historical Reflections Early Christian writers frequently adapted the maritime metaphor. Clement of Rome urged unity so that “our whole congregation may be saved with one mind, as through one ship.” Augustine likened temptations to waves and exhorted believers to keep Christ in the vessel of the heart. Reformers emphasized sola Scriptura as the compass that prevents ecclesial drift. Summary Strong’s 3489 gathers the concrete terror of broken timbers with the spiritual peril of fractured faith. Paul’s experiences and admonitions transform an everyday maritime tragedy into an enduring call: maintain trust in Christ and an unstained conscience, lest the soul be dashed upon hidden reefs of unbelief. Forms and Transliterations εναυαγησα εναυάγησα ἐναυάγησα εναυαγησαν εναυάγησαν ἐναυάγησαν enauagesa enauagēsa enauágesa enauágēsa enauagesan enauagēsan enauágesan enauágēsanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 11:25 V-AIA-1SGRK: ἐλιθάσθην τρὶς ἐναυάγησα νυχθήμερον ἐν NAS: three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day KJV: thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day INT: I was stoned three times I was shipwrecked a night and a day in 1 Timothy 1:19 V-AIA-3P Strong's Greek 3489 |
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