Topical Bible: Measure: A Fathom

◄ Measure: A Fathom ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

A fathom is a unit of measurement traditionally used to gauge the depth of water. In biblical times, it was commonly understood as the distance between the outstretched arms of a man, approximately six feet or 1.8 meters. This measurement was particularly relevant in maritime contexts, where accurate depth readings were crucial for navigation and safety.

Biblical Context and Usage

The term "fathom" appears in the New Testament, specifically in the context of maritime travel. In Acts 27, the Apostle Paul is aboard a ship that encounters a severe storm. As the crew attempts to navigate the treacherous waters, they take soundings to measure the depth:

"They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was fifteen fathoms deep." (Acts 27:28)

This passage illustrates the practical application of the fathom as a unit of measure, highlighting its importance in ensuring the safety of the vessel and its passengers. The decreasing depth indicated by the soundings suggests the ship was approaching land, a critical piece of information for the crew during the storm.

Cultural and Historical Significance

In the ancient world, the fathom was a widely recognized measure, not only in the Mediterranean region but also in various other cultures. Its use in the Bible reflects the broader maritime practices of the time. Mariners relied on such measurements to avoid running aground and to find safe harbor, especially during adverse weather conditions.

The fathom's significance extends beyond its practical application; it also serves as a metaphor for understanding and exploration. Just as sailors measured the depths of the sea, believers are encouraged to seek a deeper understanding of God's word and His creation.

Theological Implications

The use of the fathom in Scripture can be seen as a reminder of God's provision and guidance. In Acts 27, despite the perilous situation, God's sovereignty is evident as He ensures Paul's safety and the eventual deliverance of all aboard the ship. The precise measurement of the fathoms underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment, qualities that are essential for navigating both physical and spiritual journeys.

In summary, the fathom as a biblical measure serves as a testament to the practical wisdom of ancient mariners and the enduring relevance of such knowledge in understanding the depths of God's creation and His divine plan.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 27:28
And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

3712. orguia -- a fathom (the length of the outstretched arms)
... the tips of the left and right hands when ; a , the unit of measure (roughly) five
to six feet long. Word Origin from orego Definition a fathom (the length of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3712.htm - 6k

Library

The Shameful Sufferer
... which the most inspired mind must utterly fail to fathom. And yet must we first
understand infinite height, and then, infinite depth; we must measure, in fact ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the shameful sufferer.htm

How to Discover what is the Will of God.
... Love also is the measure. ... The will of God is at each moment before us like an immense,
inexhaustible ocean that no human heart can fathom; but none can receive ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/section iii how to discover what.htm

Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
... matters, we know more about the motions of the heavenly bodies than Abraham, whose
seed was in number as the stars; we can measure the earth, and fathom the sea ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xviii stedfastness in the.htm

'The Lord Thee Keeps'
... We cannot fathom the depth of the mystery of the praying Christ, but we may ... Every
Christian has the 'mind of Christ' in him, in the measure of his Christianity ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/the lord thee keeps.htm

Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity
... sharp anguish in the fire of purification as no human heart can fathom or express ...
fasting, and the like; but they receive from God a heaped-up measure, in that ...
/.../xx sermon for the fourth.htm

The Eternity of God
... who can fathom it? Mariners have their plummets to measure the depths of the sea;
but what line or plummet shall we use to fathom the depth of eternity? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the eternity of god.htm

Love in the Triune Being of God.
... Many say that God is Love, but measure His Love by the love of men. ... " And
this is a mystery that men and angels fail to fathom. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xviii love in the triune.htm

Divine Sovereignty
... Some have stupendous intellects wherewith they can unravel secrets"fathom the depths
of oceans"measure mountains"dissect the sunbeams, and weigh the stars ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/divine sovereignty.htm

The Soldier's Morning-Call
... and only in the measure in which we do wear Him, in that measure are we ... and 'being
clothed,' are not 'found naked.' It takes a lifetime to fathom Jesus; it ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the soldiers morning-call.htm

The Eternity and Unchangeableness of God.
... down in the depths of hell, and whose arms, stretched out, can fathom the length ...
Now, if mortal creatures cannot attain the measure of that which is finite, O ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture viii the eternity and.htm