Lexical Summary skeué: Vessel, implement, equipment, gear Original Word: σκευή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance tackle, equipmentFrom skeuos; furniture, i.e. Spare tackle -- tackling. see GREEK skeuos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom skeuos Definition equipment NASB Translation tackle (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4631: σκεύησκεύη, σκευης, ἡ (cf. σκεῦος), from (Pindar, Sophocles), Herodotus down, any apparatus, equipment, or furniture; used of the utensils (outfit, i. e. furniture (? — so R. V. marginal reading), or tackling (? — so A. V., R. V. text)) of a ship (Diodorus 14, 79): Acts 27:19 (the Sept. Jonah 1:5). Topical Lexicon Definition and General Concept Strong’s Greek 4631 designates the movable gear, furnishings, or tackle belonging to a vessel or household. In Acts 27:19 it refers specifically to the nautical equipment of the Alexandrian grain ship that carried Paul toward Rome. Biblical Usage Acts 27 narrates a desperate crew in the grip of a violent northeaster. After jettisoning cargo (Acts 27:18), “On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands” (Acts 27:19). The single New Testament occurrence highlights a decisive moment when human resources are sacrificed in hope of survival, anticipating the deliverance God will bring through Paul’s prophetic reassurance (Acts 27:22-26). Historical and Cultural Background First-century merchant vessels were commonly equipped with spare sails, ropes, pulleys, and repair tools. During storms sailors would first heave non-essential freight into the sea, then heavier gear, to raise the hull and keep the bow above breaking waves. Luke’s precise maritime vocabulary matches contemporary accounts such as those of the Roman writer Lucian, underscoring the historical reliability of the voyage narrative. Theological Insights 1. Human limitation and divine sovereignty: The crew exhausts every practical measure before the Lord’s promise of safety is fulfilled. Scripture consistently portrays God’s deliverance as coming when human strength is spent (compare Judges 7:2; 2 Corinthians 1:9). Practical Ministry Applications • Crisis leadership: Like Paul, believers today may speak courage and Scripture-based hope into chaotic situations, guiding others to trust God beyond visible resources. Related Concepts and Illustrations – Jonah 1:5 records sailors throwing cargo into the sea during another divinely directed storm, offering an Old Testament parallel. – Hebrews 13:5 reminds believers to be free from the love of money, echoing the principle of trusting God after earthly supports are gone. – Jesus’ command to travel light (Luke 10:4) and the rich young ruler’s challenge (Mark 10:21) reinforce the lesson embodied by the discarded tackle. The brief but vivid appearance of Strong’s 4631 thus serves as a window into ancient seamanship, a testimony to Luke’s accuracy, and a living parable of faith that releases human props to rest in the unfailing promises of God. Forms and Transliterations σκευην σκευήν σκευὴν skeuen skeuēn skeuḕnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |