Lexical Summary hupozónnumi: To gird up, to fasten under Original Word: ὑποζώννυμι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance undergird, braceFrom hupo and zonnumi; to gird under, i.e. Frap (a vessel with cables across the keel, sides and deck) -- undergirt. see GREEK hupo see GREEK zonnumi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupo and zónnumi Definition to undergird NASB Translation undergirding (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5269: ὑποζώννυμιὑποζώννυμι; from Herodotus down; to under-gird: τό πλοῖον to bind a ship together laterally with ὑποζωματα (Plato, de rep. 10, p. 616 c.), i. e. with girths or cables, to enable it to survive the force of waves and tempest, Acts 27:17 (where see Overbeck (or Hackett; especially Smith, Voyage and Shipwreck, etc., pp. 107ff, 204ff. (cf. βοήθεια))). (Polybius 27, 3, 3.) Topical Lexicon Historical and Nautical Background In the ancient Mediterranean world, long voyages often exposed wooden vessels to violent storms and hidden shoals. Sailors kept ropes or cables onboard to pass beneath the hull, pulling them tight to strengthen the frame when boards began to separate. Classical writers describe this emergency measure as “undergirding” a ship. It was a labor-intensive task carried out only when the crew feared the vessel might break apart. Biblical Occurrence and Narrative Setting Acts 27 records Paul’s perilous voyage to Rome. After leaving Crete, the ship is struck by a fierce northeaster. Verse 17 reports the crew’s response: “After hoisting it up, they used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along” (Acts 27:17). Only here does the New Testament explicitly mention the maritime practice, yet Luke’s single reference is rich with detail. The physician-historian shows familiarity with seafaring procedures and thereby strengthens the historical credibility of his account. Paul’s calm counsel to the terrified crew (Acts 27:21-26) further demonstrates God’s sovereign oversight even in technical nautical matters. Symbolic and Theological Implications 1. Divine Provision in Crisis The undergirding of the ship illustrates the broader biblical pattern of God providing means of preservation in times of trial. The crew’s practical action does not negate God’s promise of safety (Acts 27:24); rather, it operates within it, reflecting the harmony between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Scripture frequently employs “girding” language for readiness and stability (Job 38:3; Ephesians 6:14). Though Acts 27:17 speaks of timbers and cables, the principle extends to lives and ministries that require reinforcing when stress threatens to splinter faith or fellowship (Luke 22:32). The episode underscores that no storm can thwart Christ’s purpose of bringing His messenger to Rome (Acts 23:11). The undergirding becomes a tangible sign that God equips His servants with precisely what is needed to complete their mission. Ministry Applications • Pastoral Care: Leaders are called to “strengthen the weak hands” (Isaiah 35:3) in their congregations. Like the sailors’ ropes, sound doctrine and loving admonition bind believers together when external pressures mount. Related Scriptural Themes • Stability through Truth – “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14). The single appearance of 5269 in Acts 27:17 therefore serves not only as a vivid historical note but as a perpetual reminder that God both commands and supplies the means to keep His people and His purposes securely “undergirded.” Forms and Transliterations υποζωννυντες υποζωννύντες ὑποζωννύντες υποθέματα υπόκαιε υποκαιόμενον υποκαιομένους υποκαλύψεις hypozonnyntes hypozonnýntes hypozōnnyntes hypozōnnýntes upozonnuntes upozōnnuntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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