Lexical Summary asson: Closer, nearer Original Word: ἄσσον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance close. Neuter comparative of the base of eggus; more nearly, i.e. Very near -- close. see GREEK eggus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincptv. adverb of agchi (near) Definition nearer NASB Translation close (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 788: ἆσσονἆσσον, adverb, nearer (comparative of ἄγχι near (cf. ἐγγύς)): Acts 27:13 (here Rec.st Ασσον (or Ασσον, which see), Rec.bez elz ἆσσον (cf. Tdf. at the passage); but see Meyer). (Homer, Herodotus, tragic poets; Josephus, Antiquities 19, 2, 4.) Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Narrative Setting ἆσσον appears once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:13, during Luke’s account of Paul’s voyage to Rome. After wintering at Fair Havens on Crete, the ship’s officers judged the gentle south wind to be favorable. “They weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, closer to the shore” (Acts 27:13). The adverb focuses the reader’s eye on the ship’s tactical decision to hug the coastline, revealing both the sailors’ skill and their underestimation of the danger that lay ahead. Geographical and Navigational Insights Ancient Mediterranean mariners routinely kept “closer” (ἆσσον) to land whenever possible. Coastal sailing provided visual bearings, opportunities for anchorage, and access to ports in case of sudden storms. The choice to remain near Crete’s lee shore seemed prudent under a south wind, yet Luke’s subsequent description of the violent Euroclydon (Acts 27:14) proves that human precautions cannot override divine sovereignty. The single term thus anchors the narrative in authentic first-century seamanship. Contribution to Lucan Historicity Luke’s use of ἆσσον is a hallmark of eyewitness precision. Secular historians note that a southerly breeze would indeed allow a vessel to edge westward along Crete before attempting the open sea. The detail fits the topography between Fair Havens and Phoenix and has been verified by nautical studies of prevailing winds. Such accuracy reinforces confidence in the historical reliability of Acts. Pastoral and Theological Reflections 1. Human calculation versus divine control: The sailors’ choice to stay “closer” to the coast exemplifies prudent planning, yet the sudden tempest displays the limits of human foresight (Proverbs 19:21). Implications for Ministry Today Preachers and teachers can draw from Acts 27:13 to emphasize wise planning coupled with dependence on God. Missionaries, pastors, and lay leaders alike must steer “closer” to the commands of Scripture, while entrusting the outcome to the One who stills storms. In counseling, the verse offers a pattern: exercise diligence, yet rest in God’s overruling care. Related Scriptural Motifs • Coastal progression in Gospel advance: Philippians 1:12–13 shows how Paul’s physical movements, even under arrest, serve the spread of the Gospel. In sum, ἆσσον, though seemingly incidental, enriches the narrative with geographical authenticity, underscores Luke’s credibility, and invites believers to trust God amid life’s unpredictable currents—sailing ever “closer” to His guiding presence. Forms and Transliterations ασσον άσσον ἆσσον asson âssonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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