Lexical Summary naukléros: Shipowner, Captain Original Word: ναύκληρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance owner of a ship. From naus and kleros ("clerk"); a captain -- owner of a ship. see GREEK naus see GREEK kleros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom naus and kléros Definition a shipowner, shipmaster NASB Translation captain of the ship (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3490: ναύκληροςναύκληρος, ναυκληρου, ὁ (ναῦς and κλῆρος), from Herodotus (and Sophocles) down, a ship-owner, ship-master, i. e. one who hires out his vessel, or a portion of it, for purposes of transportation: Acts 27:11. Topical Lexicon Textual Occurrence The term ναυκλήρος appears a single time in the New Testament, in Acts 27:11: “But the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship rather than by what Paul said” (Berean Standard Bible). In the narrative of Paul’s voyage to Rome, the shipowner stands alongside the pilot as one of the maritime professionals whose counsel outweighs Paul’s warning about the coming danger. Historical Background In the first century, Mediterranean commerce relied heavily on privately owned freighters. Shipowners often financed voyages, contracted cargo (frequently Egyptian grain for Rome), hired a professional pilot, and traveled on board to protect their investment. Lucan detail in Acts 27 matches extant maritime records: a large Alexandrian grain vessel, seasonal weather risks after “the Fast” (Acts 27:9), and a chain of command in which a Roman military escort (the centurion) held final legal authority yet deferred to civilian expertise. The Role of the Shipowner in Acts 27 1. Economic Stake: The cargo represented significant capital. The owner’s presence signals the value of the shipment and the high stakes of delay. Nautical Culture in the Greco-Roman World • Ownership and Liability: Roman law held shipowners liable for cargo loss unless caused by “acts of God.” This legal framework pressured owners to make risky seasonal runs. Theological and Spiritual Lessons • Trust in Divine Revelation over Human Expertise. The centurion chose professional advice; yet God’s warning through Paul proved right (Acts 27:21). Ministerial Applications 1. Marketplace Ministry: Like Paul on a merchant ship, Christians today often serve among business leaders. Faithful testimony can influence decisions with eternal consequences. Cross-References to Related Themes • Other Nautical Professionals: Pilot (κυβερνήτης, Acts 27:11) and sailors (ναῦται, Acts 27:27–30) illustrate varied expertise yet shared vulnerability. Summary The lone New Testament usage of ναυκλήρος spotlights a shipowner whose financial authority momentarily outweighs apostolic warning. Luke’s historical precision grounds the episode, while the Spirit-inspired narrative exalts divine wisdom over economic or professional calculation. The passage equips believers to navigate modern spheres of commerce and leadership with faith-driven discernment, affirming that Christ remains sovereign Captain over every voyage. Forms and Transliterations ναυκληρω ναυκλήρω ναυκλήρῳ ναύλον nauklero nauklērō nauklḗroi nauklḗrōiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |