Lexical Summary sanis: Board, Plank Original Word: σανίς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance board. Of uncertain affinity; a plank -- board. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a board NASB Translation planks (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4548: σανίςσανίς, σανίδος, ἡ, a board, a plank: Acts 27:44. (From Homer down; the Sept., Song of Solomon 8:9; Ezekiel 27:5.) Topical Lexicon Summary of Usage The single New Testament occurrence of the term translated “planks” is found in Acts 27:44. Though brief, this usage illuminates themes of divine deliverance, the providential use of ordinary materials, and continuity with earlier Scriptural patterns of salvation through water. Narrative Context in Acts 27:44 Paul, under Roman guard en route to Rome, experiences a catastrophic shipwreck off the coast of Malta. After the vessel breaks apart, Luke records: “The rest were to follow on planks and on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone was brought safely to land” (Acts 27:44). The broken boards that once formed the ship now become God-ordained instruments of rescue for all two hundred seventy-six souls on board (Acts 27:37). The detail underscores the meticulous fulfillment of the angelic promise to Paul that “not one of you will perish” (Acts 27:22). Old Testament Parallels and Foreshadowings 1. Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6:14–16). The massive wooden structure constructed “with rooms” (literally, planks or compartments) carries a remnant through judgmental waters, prefiguring Acts 27’s smaller-scale deliverance. Christological and Soteriological Insights The broken planks serve as a vivid picture of how God redeems what appears ruined. Just as the shattered cross—an instrument of execution—became the means of eternal life (Colossians 2:14), so the splintered timbers of a ship become life-rafts. In each case, deliverance is secured not by human ingenuity but by divine orchestration working through humble materials. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Mediterranean vessels carried spare timber specifically for emergency repairs. During severe storms sailors would lash themselves to floating fragments, trusting prevailing currents to carry them shoreward. Luke’s accurate nautical detail lends further credibility to the historicity of Acts and reveals the author’s eye-witness precision. Practical Ministry Applications • Confidence in Providence. God’s promise to preserve Paul extends to every believer’s mission; His purposes cannot be thwarted (Philippians 1:6). Lessons for the Church Today Acts 27:44 invites Christians to recognize God’s sovereignty over crisis, His ability to repurpose brokenness, and His unwavering commitment to preserve His people for their appointed witness. The lonely plank adrift on storm-tossed waters testifies that no circumstance is beyond the reach of the Lord who “rescued us from so great a peril of death, and He will continue to rescue us” (2 Corinthians 1:10). Forms and Transliterations σανίδα σανίδων σανισιν σανίσιν sanisin sanísinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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