Lexical Summary autocheir: One's own hand Original Word: αὐτόχειρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance with one's own hands. From autos and cheir; self-handed, i.e. Doing personally -- with... Own hands. see GREEK autos see GREEK cheir Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 849: αὐτόχειραὐτόχειρ, ἀυτοχειρος, ὁ (αὐτός and χείρ, cf. μακρόχειρ, ἀδικοχειρ), doing a thing with one's own hand: Acts 27:19. (Often in the tragedians and Attic orators.) STRONGS NT 849a: αὐχέωαὐχέω; (in present and imperfect from Aeschylus and Herodotus down, but rare in prose); properly, to lift up the neck, hence, to boast: μεγάλα αὐχεῖ, James 3:5 L T Tr WH for R G μεγάλαυχεῖ which see Strong’s Greek number 849 appears once in the New Testament and conveys the idea of an action performed “with one’s own hands.” Though the word itself is rare, its concept threads through Scripture, highlighting personal agency, responsibility, and the dignity of labor. Biblical Usage Acts 27:19: “On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands.” Luke recounts how the frantic sailors, recognizing that passive hope would not save them, personally cast off the ship’s weight during a violent storm. The detail underscores human initiative in the midst of divine oversight; God had promised Paul that no life would be lost (Acts 27:22-24), yet the crew still worked strenuously. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient maritime practice required sailors to jettison expendable cargo during severe weather. Doing so “with their own hands” emphasized urgency—no hired stevedores or lower-ranking hands, but every man, regardless of status, joining in. Classical writers used similar expressions to stress direct, unmediated effort, contrasting it with delegating labor to servants. Luke’s seafaring vocabulary, likely learned from firsthand observation, mirrors technical language found in contemporary nautical manuals. Theological Themes 1. Partnership of Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: The Lord guaranteed safety, yet the crew still acted (cf. Philippians 2:12-13). Broader Scriptural Parallels • 1 Thessalonians 4:11—“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands...” While these verses employ different Greek terms, they echo the spirit of the lone occurrence of 849: a commendation of personal, diligent effort. Christological Reflections Jesus spent most of His earthly life in manual occupation as a carpenter (Mark 6:3). His incarnational model confirms that labor performed “with one’s own hands” is not merely a human necessity but a divine vocation. Practical Ministry Implications • Encourage congregants to value practical service—setting up chairs, distributing food, repairing facilities—tasks often performed “with one’s own hands.” Illustrations for Teaching 1. The storm on the Adriatic parallels modern crises: medical emergencies, financial downturns, social unrest. Like the sailors, Christians must discard hindrances—habits, possessions, even cherished plans—actively cooperating with God’s rescue. Summary Strong’s 849, though appearing only once, crystallizes a biblical principle: God honors—and often requires—direct, earnest effort from His people. From patriarchs till today, the faithful are called to trust His promises while employing their own hands in obedient action. |
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