Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, ships were essential for trade, travel, and military purposes, and various parts of these vessels are mentioned throughout Scripture. One such part is the "hinder part" or "stern" of a ship. The stern is the rear section of a vessel, crucial for navigation and stability.The most notable biblical reference to the stern is found in the account of Jesus calming the storm, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 4:38 , it is written: "But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?'" This passage highlights the stern as a place of rest and refuge, even amidst a tumultuous storm. Jesus' presence in the stern signifies His authority over nature and His ability to bring peace in chaos. The stern's significance is further underscored in the narrative of Paul's journey to Rome. In Acts 27:29-30 , during a perilous voyage, the sailors feared running aground and took measures to secure the ship: "Fearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. Meanwhile, the sailors attempted to escape from the ship, pretending to lower anchors from the bow." Here, the stern is depicted as a strategic point for anchoring, demonstrating its role in the ship's safety and maneuverability. In ancient shipbuilding, the stern was often ornately decorated and sometimes featured a figurehead or emblem, symbolizing the ship's identity or allegiance. This practice is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible but is consistent with historical accounts of maritime culture in the Mediterranean region. The stern's function in biblical narratives serves as a metaphor for divine protection and guidance. Just as the stern provides direction and stability to a ship, so does faith in God offer believers assurance and peace amidst life's storms. The biblical portrayal of the stern emphasizes the importance of trust in God's sovereignty and His presence in times of trouble. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 27:29,41Then fearing lest we should have fallen on rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Resources Is there any truth to the Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ugaritic, and what does it have to do with the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | 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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