Lexical Summary perikratés: Dominant, having control, prevailing Original Word: περικρατής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance having powerFrom peri and kratos; strong all around, i.e. A master (manager) -- + come by. see GREEK peri see GREEK kratos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and kratos Definition having full command of NASB Translation under control (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4031: περικρατήςπερικρατής, περικρατες (κράτος), τίνος, having full power over a thing: (περικρατής γενέσθαι τῆς σκάφης, to secure), Acts 27:16. (Susanna, 39; the Alex. manuscript; ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4031 appears once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:16, conveying the idea of gaining decisive control or mastery over an object that might otherwise be lost to surrounding forces. Its lone use supplies vivid imagery of determined action in the midst of peril, a motif that resonates throughout Scripture wherever God’s people “take hold” of His promises and purposes. Biblical Context and Narrative Setting Acts 27 details Paul’s voyage to Rome. After leaving Crete, the ship is caught in a violent northeaster. “As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the lifeboat” (Acts 27:16). The verb behind “secure” is 4031. Luke, an eyewitness, records that sailors fought wind and waves to haul the trailing skiff on board before it smashed apart. Their success becomes a turning point: the lifeboat later carries anchors (verse 29) and ultimately provides a means for all 276 souls to reach shore safely (verse 44). Thus, the one occurrence of 4031 anchors a narrative of providential preservation. Semantic Nuances and Imagery Coming from the preposition peri (“around”) and the root for “strength” or “mastery,” the compound evokes wrapping strength around something until it is firmly in hand. In Acts 27 the object is physical, but the idiom easily extends to abstract realities—truth, wisdom, faith—inviting believers to lay hold of spiritual lifelines with comparable resolve. Historical Background: Maritime Practices First-century seafarers often towed a skiff behind the main vessel during calm weather. Sudden storms made that practice dangerous; a swamped skiff could drag down the ship itself. Standard procedure was to pull the skiff aboard, lash it, and bind the hull with cables. Luke’s detail that the sailors “barely managed” underscores both the severity of the storm and their professional competence. Archaeological findings of Mediterranean freighters confirm the plausibility of the described actions, reinforcing the historical reliability of Luke’s account. Theological Reflections 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Effort: Acts 27 balances God’s promise (“not one of you will perish,” verse 22) with strenuous human action (securing the skiff, under-girding the ship, jettisoning cargo). The verb 4031 illustrates that trusting God does not nullify diligent labor but rather energizes it. Practical Ministry Applications • Crisis Leadership: Shepherds and lay leaders alike must act decisively to “secure the lifeboats” of doctrine and discipline when storms threaten the church (Titus 1:9). Intertextual Echoes and Broader Canonical Themes While 4031 is unique to Acts 27:16, its root family (κρατέω) surfaces frequently: Jesus commends those who “hold fast My name” (Revelation 2:13), and believers are urged to “take hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:18). These parallels show that Luke’s nautical term shares a theological thread with exhortations to grasp and keep what God provides. Conclusion Strong’s 4031 encapsulates determined mastery in the face of overwhelming forces. Its lone New Testament appearance, situated within Luke’s meticulous voyage narrative, supplies historical color, reinforces the doctrine of providence, and offers enduring lessons on steadfast faith. As the sailors secured their lifeboat, so every generation of believers is summoned to seize what God has entrusted—truth, hope, mission—until the storm subsides and safe harbor is reached. Forms and Transliterations περικρατεις περικρατείς περικρατεῖς perikrateis perikrateîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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