Rowing, as a method of propelling a boat using oars, is an activity that finds its mention in the context of ancient seafaring and transportation in the Bible. While the specific act of rowing is not extensively detailed in the Scriptures, the concept is implicitly present in several passages that describe the use of boats and ships, particularly in the New Testament.

Biblical Context

In the ancient world, rowing was a common means of navigation, especially in the Mediterranean region where much of the biblical narrative unfolds. The Sea of Galilee, a significant location in the ministry of Jesus, was a hub of fishing and boating activity, where rowing would have been a familiar sight.

New Testament References

The New Testament provides a glimpse into the life of fishermen and seafarers, many of whom were among Jesus' disciples. In Mark 6:47-48 , we read about the disciples rowing on the Sea of Galilee: "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, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea."

This passage highlights the physical effort and skill involved in rowing, especially under adverse conditions. The disciples' struggle against the wind while rowing serves as a metaphor for the challenges faced in the journey of faith, where perseverance and reliance on Christ are essential.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Rowing, as depicted in the Bible, can be seen as a symbol of human effort and cooperation. The act of rowing requires coordination and teamwork, reflecting the communal aspect of the Christian faith. Just as rowers must work together to move the boat forward, believers are called to support one another in their spiritual journey.

Furthermore, the image of Jesus walking on water and calming the storm (Mark 6:49-51) serves as a powerful reminder of His divine authority over nature and His ability to bring peace amidst life's tempests. The disciples' experience of rowing against the wind and their subsequent encounter with Jesus illustrates the transition from human struggle to divine intervention.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, rowing was not only a practical skill but also a metaphor for discipline and endurance. The Apostle Paul, familiar with maritime travel, often used nautical imagery in his epistles to convey spiritual truths. While specific references to rowing are sparse, the broader context of seafaring in the Bible underscores the importance of diligence and faithfulness in the Christian life.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide detailed instructions or teachings specifically about rowing, the instances where it is mentioned or implied offer valuable insights into the life and times of biblical characters. Rowing serves as a backdrop for lessons on faith, perseverance, and the power of Christ to guide and sustain His followers through the storms of life.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Row.ROWER; ROWING

ro'-er, ro'-ing.

See SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 1.

7885. shayit -- a rowing
... a rowing. Transliteration: shayit Phonetic Spelling: (shay'-yit) Short Definition:
oars. Word Origin from shut Definition a rowing NASB Word Usage oars (1). ...
/hebrew/7885.htm - 6k

The Two Storms (Jesus Walking on the Water)
... And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the
fourth watch of the night He cometh unto them, walking on the sea, and He ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 4 35-41 6 47-52 the two.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return is Illustrated in the Gospel ...
... by reason of a great wind that blew." It was dark, and Jesus was not come to them,
and all the progress they had made after hours of hard rowing was "twenty ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/6 the fact of the.htm

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
... [That is, it blew from the west, the direction toward which the disciples were rowing.]
^b 48 And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxiii first withdrawal from herods 3.htm

Monos
... tearing out stone after stone from the soft cliffs, and shrouding all the distant
points in salt haze, though the gulf along which we were rowing was perfectly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

The High Woods
... In five minutes more we were on board the gig, and rowing away south over the muddy
mirror; and in ten minutes more the sun was up, and blazing so fiercely ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vii the high woods.htm

On the Way to Thebes
... After launching his bari, Kenkenes gazed a moment, and then, with a prayer to Ptah
for aid, struck out for the south, rowing with powerful strokes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxi on the way.htm

The Freighted Ship
... clear, and all is still and glorious, and where the sun shines, and where your treasure
will be safe and dry, and where you need no more toil in rowing, as now ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xviii the freighted ship.htm

His Murdered Father's Head
... One day he was walking home with Eutyches from a rowing excursion on the Bosporus,
when they saw a crowd of people assembling in the colonnade of the Forum ...
/.../chapter xxxvi his murdered fathers.htm

Walking the Waves --The Two Kingdoms.
... place. They had taken down their sail and were rowing, but by three o'clock
in the morning they were still out upon the Lake. Jesus ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv walking the wavesthe.htm

The Crisis in Galilee
... The fury of the storm, and the many hours of fruitless rowing against adverse winds,
the appearance of Christ walking upon the water, the fears thus aroused ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 41 the crisis in.htm

Rowing (2 Occurrences)
... n.) of Row. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ROWER; ROWING. ro'-er, ro'-ing. See
SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 1. Multi-Version Concordance Rowing (2 Occurrences). ...
/r/rowing.htm - 7k

Rows (29 Occurrences)

/r/rows.htm - 15k

Oars (4 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about
the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he ...
/o/oars.htm - 7k

Labouring (18 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:48 And seeing them labouring in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them,
about the fourth watch of the night he comes to them walking on the sea, and ...
/l/labouring.htm - 11k

Wished (31 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:48 and he saw them harassed in the rowing, for the wind was against them,
and about the fourth watch of the night he doth come to them walking on the sea ...
/w/wished.htm - 15k

Walking (189 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about
the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he ...
/w/walking.htm - 37k

Intended (38 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about
the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he ...
/i/intended.htm - 17k

Ivory (13 Occurrences)
... It was used by the Phoenicians to ornament the box-wood rowing-benches of their
galleys, and Hiram's skilled workmen made Solomon's throne of ivory (1 Kings 10 ...
/i/ivory.htm - 17k

Team (3 Occurrences)
... in any work; a gang; especially, a number of persons selected to contend on one
side in a match, or a series of matches, in a cricket, football, rowing, etc. ...
/t/team.htm - 8k

Toiling (8 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them:
and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the ...
/t/toiling.htm - 8k

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

Rowing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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