Definition and Description:
A skiff is a small, light boat traditionally used for coastal and river navigation. In ancient times, skiffs were often crafted from wood and designed for ease of maneuverability and speed. They were typically propelled by oars or small sails and were used for fishing, transportation, and short-distance travel.

Biblical Context:
While the term "skiff" itself does not appear in the Bible, small boats similar to skiffs are mentioned in several passages, particularly in the New Testament. These boats played a significant role in the daily lives of those living in the regions surrounding the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea.

Biblical References:

1. Mark 4:36 : "Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats with Him."
· This passage describes Jesus and His disciples traveling by boat, likely similar to a skiff, across the Sea of Galilee. The mention of "other boats" suggests the presence of small, maneuverable vessels accompanying the main boat.

2. John 6:22-24 : "The next day, the crowd that had remained on the other side of the sea realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not boarded it with His disciples, but they had gone away alone. However, some boats from Tiberias arrived near the place they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Him."
· This passage highlights the use of small boats for transportation across the Sea of Galilee, indicating their common use for travel and communication between different locations around the sea.

3. Acts 27:16 : "As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the lifeboat."
· In this account of Paul's journey to Rome, the "lifeboat" mentioned could be likened to a skiff, used for emergency situations or as a tender to the larger ship.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
In the biblical era, skiffs and similar small boats were essential for the livelihoods of fishermen, such as Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who were called by Jesus to be His disciples. These boats were integral to their daily work and were often used in the narratives of Jesus' ministry, illustrating His teachings and miracles.

The use of skiffs in biblical times reflects the practical and economic realities of life in the regions surrounding the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean. These boats facilitated trade, travel, and communication, serving as vital tools for the people of that era.

Symbolic Meaning:
In a spiritual sense, the imagery of boats, including skiffs, can symbolize the journey of faith, the church as a vessel of salvation, and the protection and guidance of God through life's turbulent waters. The accounts of Jesus calming the storm and walking on water, both involving boats, underscore His divine authority over nature and His ability to bring peace and assurance to His followers.

Altogether Lovely
... is high, I cannot attain unto it." These deep texts show us the shortness of our
plumb-line; these ocean verses are so exceeding broad that our skiffs are apt ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/altogether lovely.htm

The Storm Stilled
... We almost see the hurried starting and the intrusive followers scrambling
into the little skiffs on the beach and making after Him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the storm stilled.htm

It was Late in the Afternoon when Diamond and his Mother and the ...
... instead of the great river where the huge barges with their mighty brown and yellow
sails went tacking from side to side like little pleasure-skiffs, and where ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 15 it was late.htm

He Perished under Divine Wrath. visions of the Emperor's Death ...
... again passed beyond its boundaries from the reflux waves, and deluged a great deal
of the land, so that on the retreat of the waters, the sea-skiffs were found ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter ii he perished under divine.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... which forms the lower part of it, or floor, is something like an overturned boat
in appearance, and hollow underneath, not like one of the narrow skiffs in use ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... ancient dhow with its shapeless tent-cabin aft; the ponderous cattle barges and
freight vessels built of rough-hewn logs; the light passenger skiffs; and lastly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

Skiffs (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Skiffs (1 Occurrence). Job 9:26 They pass by like skiffs
of reed; as an eagle that swoops upon the prey. (DBY RSV). ...
/s/skiffs.htm - 6k

Skies (36 Occurrences)

/s/skies.htm - 15k

Skilful (38 Occurrences)

/s/skilful.htm - 21k

Reed (41 Occurrences)
... The "ships of reed" are the light skiffs made of plaited reeds used on the Nile;
compare "vessels of papyrus" (Isaiah 18:2). (3) 'aghammim, translated "reeds ...
/r/reed.htm - 29k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... Job compares his days to "the swift ships" ("the ships of reed" the Revised Version
margin), the allusion is most likely to Egypt's, these being skiffs with a ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... Job compares his days to "the swift ships" ("the ships of reed" the Revised Version
margin), the allusion is most likely to Egypt's, these being skiffs with a ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

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