Lexical Summary pédalion: Rudder Original Word: πηδάλιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rudder. Neuter of a (presumed) derivative of pedon (the blade of an oar; from the same as pede); a "pedal", i.e. Helm -- rudder. see GREEK pede NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pédon (the blade of an oar) Definition a rudder NASB Translation rudder (1), rudders (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4079: πηδάλιονπηδάλιον, πηδαλίου, τό (from πηδον the blade of an oar, an oar), from Homer down, a ship's rudder :. Acts 27:40 (on the plural see Smith, Voy. and Shipwreck of St. Paul, 4th edition, p. 183ff; B. D., under the word, Ship (2); cf. Graser, Das Seewesen des Alterthums, in the Philologus for 1865, p. 266f); James 3:4. Topical Lexicon Literal object and symbolic role The πηδάλιον denotes the steering apparatus of a vessel, that small but decisive implement by which the helmsman governs the course of a ship amid opposing winds and waves. Scripture uses the concrete item to draw out spiritual lessons on guidance, governance, and the disproportionate influence of seemingly minor factors in the life of the believer and of the church. Occurrences in Scripture • Acts 27:40 records the dramatic moment on Paul’s voyage to Rome when “they…untied the ropes that held the rudders”, surrendering normal steering in a last-ditch effort to beach the storm-tossed vessel. Historical and nautical background First-century Mediterranean ships were often equipped with twin side-rudders affixed near the stern. They were controlled by tiller-ropes, exactly the cords Luke mentions in Acts. That detail not only attests the writer’s eyewitness precision but also anchors the narrative in a verifiable maritime context, underscoring the reliability of the Acts account. Doctrinal and pastoral emphases 1. Providence and human agency: A rudder operates under the winds’ pressure yet determines direction. Likewise, believers submit to circumstances God permits while exercising Spirit-guided choices that honor Christ (Philippians 2:12-13). Christological lens Jesus is the ultimate Pilot of His church (Ephesians 1:22-23). While He entrusts stewardship to human leaders, the Gospels depict Him calming seas and commanding winds, reminding readers that even the best “rudder” is effective only under His lordship. Applications for contemporary ministry • Preaching and teaching should harness James’s image to stress the potency of words in counseling, social media, and corporate worship. Patristic and later reflections Early writers, including Clement of Rome and Augustine, echo the biblical picture—identifying Christ as the true steersman and the cross as the vessel’s mast. Reformation commentators further applied the figure to the rule of faith guiding the church through doctrinal tempests. Summary Strong’s Greek 4079 portrays a small but decisive instrument that controls vast potential, grounding a timeless lesson: under God’s sovereign wind, disciplined guidance—whether of speech, life, or church—keeps the voyage of faith on a safe and fruitful course. Forms and Transliterations πηδαλιου πηδαλίου πηδαλιων πηδαλίων πηδάν πηδών pedalion pedalíon pēdaliōn pēdalíōn pedaliou pedalíou pēdaliou pēdalíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 27:40 N-GNPGRK: ζευκτηρίας τῶν πηδαλίων καὶ ἐπάραντες NAS: the ropes of the rudders; and hoisting KJV: and loosed the rudder bands, and INT: ropes of the rudders and having hoisted James 3:4 N-GNS Strong's Greek 4079 |
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