Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the sail was an essential component of maritime travel and trade, playing a significant role in the economic and cultural exchanges of the ancient Near East. The use of sails allowed for the navigation of the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and other bodies of water mentioned in the Bible. While the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of sails, their presence is implied in various passages that reference ships and seafaring.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 33:23 · "Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder." This verse metaphorically describes a ship in disarray, unable to spread its sail due to slack ropes, symbolizing a state of vulnerability and impending defeat. The imagery of a sail here underscores the importance of preparedness and strength. 2. Ezekiel 27:7 · "Of fine embroidered linen from Egypt was your sail, which served as your banner; your awnings were of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah." In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel describes the grandeur of Tyre, a prominent maritime city. The sail, made of fine embroidered linen from Egypt, signifies wealth and prestige, serving not only as a functional part of the ship but also as a symbol of the city's opulence and far-reaching trade connections. 3. Acts 27:40 · "So they cut away the anchors and left them in the sea, and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach." This account of Paul's journey to Rome provides a glimpse into the practical use of sails in navigation. The hoisting of the foresail to catch the wind demonstrates the reliance on sails for steering and propulsion, especially in critical situations. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient world, sails were typically made from materials such as linen or wool, and their construction required skilled craftsmanship. The design and size of sails varied depending on the type of vessel and its intended use. Merchant ships, warships, and fishing boats all utilized sails to harness the wind, enabling them to travel greater distances and carry heavier loads than would be possible with oars alone. The development of sailing technology was crucial for the expansion of trade networks and the spread of cultures and ideas. The Phoenicians, for example, were renowned for their seafaring abilities and played a significant role in the dissemination of goods and knowledge across the Mediterranean. Symbolism and Theological Insights: In Scripture, the sail can symbolize human endeavor and the reliance on divine providence. Just as sailors depend on the wind to fill their sails and guide their journey, believers are called to trust in God's guidance and provision. The imagery of a sail catching the wind can also represent the Holy Spirit's influence in the life of a Christian, propelling them forward in their spiritual journey. The sail, as a part of the ship, also serves as a metaphor for the Church. Just as a ship relies on its sail to navigate the waters, the Church relies on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower its mission in the world. This imagery encourages believers to remain open to the Spirit's leading and to work together in unity to fulfill their God-given purpose. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An extent of canvas or other fabric by means of which the wind is made serviceable as a power for propelling vessels through the water.2. (n.) Anything resembling a sail, or regarded as a sail. 3. (n.) A wing; a van. 4. (n.) The extended surface of the arm of a windmill. 5. (n.) A sailing vessel; a vessel of any kind; a craft. 6. (n.) A passage by a sailing vessel; a journey or excursion upon the water. 7. (n.) To be impelled or driven forward by the action of wind upon sails, as a ship on water; to be impelled on a body of water by the action of steam or other power. 8. (n.) To move through or on the water; to swim, as a fish or a water fowl. 9. (n.) To be conveyed in a vessel on water; to pass by water; as, they sailed from London to Canton. 10. (n.) To set sail; to begin a voyage. 11. (n.) To move smoothly through the air; to glide through the air without apparent exertion, as a bird. 12. (v. t.) To pass or move upon, as in a ship, by means of sails; hence, to move or journey upon (the water) by means of steam or other force. 13. (v. t.) To fly through; to glide or move smoothly through. 14. (v. t.) To direct or manage the motion of, as a vessel; as, to sail one's own ship. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SAIL; SAILORsal, sal'-er. Greek 1602. ekpleo -- to sail away ... to sail away. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ekpleo Phonetic Spelling: (ek-pleh'-o) Short Definition: I sail out, sail away Definition: I sail out (of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1602.htm - 6k 3896. parapleo -- to sail by or past 636. apopleo -- to sail away 5284. hupopleo -- to sail under (ie under the lee of) 3881. paralegomai -- to sail past or coast along 4126. pleo -- to sail 1277. diapleo -- to sail across 1020. braduploeo -- to sail slowly 2668. katapleo -- to sail down 3607. othone -- fine linen, hence a sheet or sail Strong's Hebrew 5251. nes -- a standard, ensign, signal, sign... Word Origin from nasas Definition a standard, ensign, signal, sign NASB Word Usage banner (2), distinguishing mark (1), sail (1), signal (4), standard (12 ... /hebrew/5251.htm - 6k 4666. miphras -- a spreading out, something spread 1777. din -- to judge Library The Way the Sail is Set. Never Weather-Beaten Sail More Willing Bent to Shore, "But when You have Again Set Sail from that Place with the view of ... Introduction. The Voyage and Shipwreck Acts XXVII Paul's Shipwreck Wesley's Advice to Travelers The Delights of North Wales Departure of Barnabas. Thesaurus Sail (32 Occurrences)... water. 2. (n.) Anything resembling a sail, or regarded as a sail. 3. (n.) A wing; a van. ... Canton. 10. (n.) To set sail; to begin a voyage. 11. ... /s/sail.htm - 17k Main-sail Sail-support (1 Occurrence) Coast (70 Occurrences) Navigate (2 Occurrences) Thessaloni'ca (7 Occurrences) Embarked (5 Occurrences) Macedo'nian (2 Occurrences) Mainsail (1 Occurrence) Aristar'chus (6 Occurrences) Resources What happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on Paul's second missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org Why should I believe the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Sail: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sail (32 Occurrences)Luke 8:22 Acts 10:11 Acts 10:16 Acts 11:5 Acts 13:13 Acts 14:26 Acts 15:39 Acts 16:11 Acts 18:18 Acts 18:21 Acts 20:3 Acts 20:13 Acts 20:16 Acts 21:1 Acts 21:2 Acts 27:1 Acts 27:2 Acts 27:2 Acts 27:4 Acts 27:12 Acts 27:17 Acts 27:21 Acts 27:24 Acts 27:40 Acts 28:10 Acts 28:11 1 Kings 22:48 1 Kings 22:49 2 Chronicles 20:37 Isaiah 33:21 Isaiah 33:23 Ezekiel 27:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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