Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, ships and boats play a significant role, particularly in the context of trade, travel, and divine encounters. The Bible, while not a technical manual on shipbuilding, provides glimpses into the maritime culture of the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean world. Several parts of ships are mentioned, offering insights into their construction and use.Hull and Structure The hull is the main body of the ship, providing buoyancy and structure. In the account of Noah's Ark, the construction of a large vessel is detailed, though not in technical terms. Genesis 6:14 states, "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out." This description highlights the use of wood and pitch, materials common in ancient shipbuilding for waterproofing and durability. Sails and Masts Sails and masts are crucial for navigation and propulsion. While the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of these parts, the use of sails is implied in several passages. For instance, in Acts 27, the account of Paul's journey to Rome describes a ship caught in a storm, suggesting the presence of sails and masts. Acts 27:40 notes, "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." Rudders and Steering Rudders are essential for steering a ship. The Bible references rudders in the context of controlling a vessel's direction. In James 3:4 , the rudder is used metaphorically to illustrate control: "Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined." Anchors Anchors are mentioned in the context of stabilizing and securing ships. In Acts 27:29 , during the storm at sea, the sailors "dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak." This indicates the use of anchors to prevent the ship from drifting and to maintain its position. Decks and Compartments The decks and compartments of ships are implied in various narratives. Jonah 1:5 describes the sailors throwing cargo overboard to lighten the ship, suggesting the presence of a deck and storage areas: "The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load." Oars Oars are mentioned as a means of propulsion, particularly in smaller vessels. Isaiah 33:21 refers to oars in a metaphorical context: "But there the majestic One, our LORD, will be for us a place of rivers and wide canals, where no galley with oars will go, where no mighty ship will pass." Conclusion The biblical references to ships and their parts, while not exhaustive, provide a window into the maritime practices of the time. These vessels were integral to the economic, cultural, and spiritual life of the biblical world, facilitating trade, travel, and the spread of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 27:30,32And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the bow, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him. Footnotes The Close of the Theban Empire The Memphite Empire Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources What happened in the Six-Day War? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Ships: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ships: (Wrecked) Departure from the Faith Ships: Antiquity of, Among the Jews Ships: Course of Frequently Directed by the Heavenly Bodies Ships: Course of, Through the Midst of the Sea, Wonderful Ships: Employed in Carrying Passengers Ships: Endangered by Quicksands Ships: Generally Impelled by Sails Ships: Generally Made of the Fir Tree Ships: Governed and Directed by the Helm Ships: Guided in Their Course by Pilots Ships: Often the Property of Individuals Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Anchors Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Boats Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Forepart or Foreship Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Hinder Part or Stern Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Hold or Between the Sides Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Mast Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Oars Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Rudder or Helm Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Rudder-Bands Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Sails Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Tackling Ships: Probably Originated from the Ark Made by Noah Ships: Solomon Built a Navy of Ships: Sometimes Made of Bulrushes Ships: Soundings Usually Taken For, in Dangerous Places Ships: The Hinder Part of, Occupied by the Passengers Ships: The Seams of, Were Caulked Ships: Usually Distinguished by Signs or Figure Heads Ships: when Damaged Were Sometimes Undergirded With Cables Ships: Worked by Mariners or Sailors Related Terms |
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