Lexical Summary agkura: Anchor Original Word: ἄγκυρα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance anchor. From the same as agkale; an "anchor" (as crooked) -- anchor. see GREEK agkale NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as agkalé Definition an anchor NASB Translation anchor (1), anchors (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 45: ἄγκυραἄγκυρα, (ας, ἡ (see ἀγκάλη), an anchor — (ancient anchors resembled modern in form: were of iron, provided with a stock, and with two teeth-like extremities often but by no means always without flukes; see Roschach in Daremberg and Saglio's Dict. des Antiq. (1873), p. 267; Guhl and Koner, p. 258): ῥίπτειν to cast (Latinjacere), Acts 27:29; ἐκτείνειν, Acts 27:30; περιαίρειν, Acts 27:40. Figuratively, any stay or safeguard: as hope, Hebrews 6:19; Euripides, Hec. 78 (80); Heliodorus vii., p. 352 (350). Topical Lexicon Term Anchor (Greek ἄγκυρα) Occurrences In The New Testament Hebrews 6:19; Acts 27:29; Acts 27:30; Acts 27:40 Literal Usage In Acts 27 Luke’s sea-narrative records Paul’s voyage to Rome during late autumn. The relentless northeaster drives the vessel toward the shoals of Syrtis, forcing the crew to deploy multiple anchors (Acts 27:29) and later to feign further anchoring while plotting escape (Acts 27:30). Ultimately, to lighten the ship for a dash toward shore, they cast off all remaining anchors (Acts 27:40). These scenes reveal common first-century maritime practice: large grain ships typically carried four stone-or-lead-shod anchors lowered from the stern, each weighted for deep water. The historical detail underscores Luke’s accuracy, complements external evidence from contemporary nautical archaeology, and heightens the drama of divine preservation of Paul and all on board. Metaphorical Usage In Hebrews 6:19 Hebrews extends the maritime image to the spiritual realm: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain” (Hebrews 6:19). Here “hope” centers on God’s oath-guaranteed promise, ultimately fulfilled in the high-priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. The anchor is not thrown downward into shifting sands but upward into the very presence of God, linking the believer to the immovable throne. The metaphor blends nautical and temple imagery: the anchor’s “fluke” catches within the heavenly Holy of Holies, and the chain of faith secures the pilgrim church amid storms of persecution and delay. Old Testament Background Though the anchor image is absent from the Hebrew Bible, the concepts it conveys—steadfastness, refuge, covenant fidelity—pervade the Psalms (for example, Psalm 46:1) and prophetic assurances (Isaiah 33:6). Hebrews draws on the Abrahamic oath (Genesis 22:16-18) to frame Christian hope as doubly unchangeable: rooted in God’s word and His character. Theological Themes 1. Assurance of Salvation: The anchor illustrates the certainty of redeemed destiny based on Christ’s finished work (Hebrews 6:17-20). Historical Context Of Mediterranean Anchors Classical anchors progressed from stone weights to iron-clawed devices by Roman times. Writings of Polybius and depictions on coins confirm the prevalence of four-fluked anchors, aligning with Luke’s count. Sailors often carried spare anchors lashed amidships; jettisoning anchors was a last resort because retrieval was costly. Such practices illuminate Paul’s situation and the crew’s desperation. Pastoral And Practical Application • Preaching: Employ the anchor motif to reassure congregations buffeted by cultural turbulence that Christ has secured their future. Related Scriptures Psalm 62:6; Isaiah 33:6; Romans 5:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Peter 1:3-5 Summary Across its four appearances, the anchor moves from a tangible tool of Roman sailors to a powerful emblem of gospel hope. In Acts it frames God’s providential rescue of His apostle; in Hebrews it portrays the believer’s unbreakable security in Christ. For every generation navigating winds of trial, the anchor stands as a timeless call to fix hope where it cannot fail—“firm and secure.” Forms and Transliterations αγκυραν άγκυραν ἄγκυραν αγκυρας αγκύρας ἀγκύρας αγκώνα αγκώνας αγκώνες αγκωνίσκοι αγκωνίσκους αγκώνος ankuran ankuras ankyran ánkyran ankyras ankýrasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 27:29 N-AFPGRK: πρύμνης ῥίψαντες ἀγκύρας τέσσαρας ηὔχοντο NAS: four anchors from the stern KJV: four anchors out of INT: stern having cast anchors four they prayed Acts 27:30 N-AFP Acts 27:40 N-AFP Hebrews 6:19 N-AFS Strong's Greek 45 |
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