Definition and Context: The term "rowed" refers to the act of propelling a boat or ship through water using oars. In biblical times, rowing was a common method of navigation and transportation across bodies of water. The act of rowing is mentioned in the context of both literal and metaphorical journeys in the Bible.

Biblical References:

1. Mark 6:47-48 : "When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and Jesus was alone on land. He could see the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, He went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them." In this passage, the disciples are described as "straining at the oars," indicating the physical effort required to row against adverse conditions. This scene highlights the challenges faced by the disciples and sets the stage for Jesus' miraculous intervention.

2. Acts 27:17 : "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 let the ship be driven along." While the term "rowed" is not explicitly used in this passage, the context of maritime navigation and the efforts to control the ship during a storm reflect the broader theme of human endeavor and divine providence in seafaring narratives.

Symbolic Meaning: Rowing in the Bible often symbolizes human effort and struggle, particularly in the face of natural or spiritual adversity. The act of rowing can represent the perseverance required in the Christian life, as believers navigate the challenges and trials of the world. It also underscores the need for divine assistance, as human strength alone is often insufficient to overcome the obstacles encountered.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient Near East, rowing was a vital skill for fishermen, traders, and travelers. Boats and ships were essential for commerce, communication, and military endeavors. The Sea of Galilee, a significant location in the New Testament, was a hub of fishing activity, and many of Jesus' disciples were experienced fishermen familiar with rowing.

Theological Implications: The imagery of rowing against the wind, as seen in Mark 6, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the Christian's journey through life. Just as the disciples needed Jesus' intervention to calm the storm, believers are reminded of their dependence on Christ to navigate the spiritual and moral challenges they face. The act of rowing, therefore, becomes a reminder of the balance between human effort and divine grace.

Practical Application: Christians are encouraged to persevere in their faith, much like the disciples who rowed against the wind. This perseverance is not solely reliant on human strength but is supported by faith in God's presence and power. The narrative of rowing serves as an exhortation to trust in God's guidance and to seek His help in times of difficulty.

In summary, the concept of rowing in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of struggle, perseverance, and divine intervention. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, illustrating the need for both human effort and reliance on God's strength.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Row.

2. (a.) Formed into a row, or rows; having a row, or rows; as, a twelve-rowed ear of corn.

1643. elauno -- to drive or push (as wind, oars, or demoniacal ...
... Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to drive or push (as wind, oars, or demoniacal
power) NASB Word Usage driven (3), oars (1), rowed (1). carry, drive, row. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1643.htm - 6k2864. chathar -- to dig, row
... Definition: dig. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to dig, row NASB Word
Usage dig (5), dug (2), rowed (1). dig through, row. A ...
/hebrew/2864.htm - 5k

Athor, the Golden
... discomfiture. He dismissed his slave and rowed down-stream toward Masaarah. ... myself?".
He seized his oars and rowed down the river another furlong. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vii athor the golden.htm

The Galleys
... The use of steam was as yet unknown, and the King's galleys were rowed by the convicts
and prisoners of France, for it would have been impossible to find ...
/.../forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 4 the galleys.htm

The Fifth Miracle in John's Gospel
... 'So when they had rowed about five-and-twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus
walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.20. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the fifth miracle in johns.htm

John Chapter vi. 15-44
... "When, therefore, they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty furlongs." Meanwhile
they struggled onward, kept advancing; nor did those winds and storms, and ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxv john chapter vi.htm

Monos
... So away we rowed, or rather were rowed by four stalwart , along the northern
shore of the gulf, while the sun leapt up straight astern, and made the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

The Presence of Christ
... The Master went up into the mountain to pray, and sent them across the sea all alone
without Him; there came a storm, and they toiled, rowed, and laboured, but ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/vi the presence of christ.htm

Quaker City Excursion
... How gaily they were decked out with scarlet cloth and fringe hanging over the sides
almost touching the water; each boat was rowed by twelve men dressed in ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/quaker city excursion.htm

Calcutta and the Mission Centres from Delhi to Amboyna
... He was generally rowed down the eighteen miles of the winding river to Calcutta
at sunset on Monday evening and returned on Friday night every week, working ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vii calcutta and the.htm

The Story of Jonah and the Whale
... But the men were not willing to throw Jonah into the sea. They rowed hard
to bring the ship to the land, but they could not. Then ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jonah and.htm

A Figurative Description of the Procedure of Divine Love
... Many mariners were there,. Having each his separate care; They that rowed us held
their eyes. Fixed upon the starry skies; Others steered, or turned the sails,. ...
/.../a figurative description of the.htm

Rowed (2 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Row. 2. (a.) Formed into a row, or rows; having a row, or rows; as, a
twelve-rowed ear of corn. Multi-Version Concordance Rowed (2 Occurrences). ...
/r/rowed.htm - 7k

Row (26 Occurrences)
... Jonah 1:13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to get them back to the land; but they
could not, for the sea grew more and more stormy against them. ...
/r/row.htm - 14k

Wilder (1 Occurrence)
... Jonah 1:13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to get them back to the land; but they
could not, for the sea grew more and more stormy against them. (See NIV). ...
/w/wilder.htm - 6k

Frightened (38 Occurrences)
... John 6:19 Having rowed then about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they see Jesus walking
on the sea and coming near the ship; and they were frightened. ...
/f/frightened.htm - 17k

Furlongs (5 Occurrences)
... John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they
see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were ...
/f/furlongs.htm - 7k

Tempestuous (8 Occurrences)
... Jonah 1:13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could
not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. ...
/t/tempestuous.htm - 9k

Thirty (189 Occurrences)
... John 6:19 When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they
saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat; and they were ...
/t/thirty.htm - 39k

Twenty (282 Occurrences)
... John 6:19 When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they
saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat; and they were ...
/t/twenty.htm - 40k

Twenty-five (36 Occurrences)
... John 6:19 When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they
saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat; and they were ...
/t/twenty-five.htm - 18k

Regain (12 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Jonah 1:13 But the men rowed hard to regain the land; but they could
not; for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them. (DBY). ...
/r/regain.htm - 10k

What was the meaning of Jesus walking on water? | GotQuestions.org

Rowed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus