Under-girding is a nautical term that appears in the context of maritime practices in the ancient world, specifically in the New Testament. The term refers to the practice of passing ropes or chains under a ship to provide additional support and stability, especially during rough seas or when the vessel's structural integrity is compromised. This practice was crucial for ancient mariners to ensure the safety and seaworthiness of their ships during long and perilous voyages.

Biblical Reference:

The concept of under-girding is mentioned in the Book of Acts, during the Apostle Paul's voyage to Rome. In Acts 27:17 , it is recorded: "After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along." This passage describes the actions taken by the crew of the ship carrying Paul as a prisoner. Faced with a violent storm, they employed under-girding to reinforce the ship's hull, a testament to the severity of the situation and the measures taken to preserve the vessel and its occupants.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Mediterranean world, ships were primarily constructed of wood and were vulnerable to the stresses of the sea. Under-girding was a common practice among sailors to prevent the planks of the ship from separating under pressure. This technique involved wrapping cables or ropes around the hull, effectively binding the ship together to withstand the forces of nature. The use of such methods highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient mariners in ensuring their survival and the successful completion of their voyages.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the act of under-girding can be seen as a metaphor for divine support and providence. Just as the ropes provided essential reinforcement to the ship, believers are encouraged to rely on God's strength and guidance during life's storms. The Apostle Paul's journey, fraught with danger yet ultimately under God's sovereign care, serves as a powerful illustration of faith and trust in divine protection.

Practical Application:

In a broader spiritual sense, under-girding can be applied to the Christian life as a call to fortify one's faith through prayer, scripture, and community. Just as a ship requires reinforcement to navigate treacherous waters, believers are urged to strengthen their spiritual foundations to withstand trials and challenges. The practice of under-girding, both physically in the ancient world and spiritually in the life of a Christian, underscores the importance of preparation, resilience, and reliance on God's unwavering support.5269. hupozonnumi -- to undergird
... the waves. Word Origin from hupo and zonnumi Definition to undergird NASB
Word Usage undergirding (1). undergird, brace. From hupo ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5269.htm - 6k

Tempest and Trust
... Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing
lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.18 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/tempest and trust.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

Acts XXVII
... were able to secure the boat. (17) When they had taken it up, they used
helps, undergirding the ship. And fearing lest they should ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

Sight Given to the Blind.
... And that is very well, so long as we do not omit to use the opportunities we actually
have of doing even little kindnesses, of undergirding the shattered life ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xx sight given to the.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... Recent investigators have demonstrated that the sailors, in the midst of danger,
displayed no little ability, and that their conduct in "undergirding the ship ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

Undergirding
Undergirding. Undergird, Undergirding. Under-girding . Int. ... See SHIPS AND BOATS,
III, 2. Undergird, Undergirding. Under-girding . Reference Bible.
/u/undergirding.htm - 6k

Under-girding (1 Occurrence)
Under-girding. Undergirding, Under-girding. Undergo . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(ASV). Undergirding, Under-girding. Undergo . Reference Bible.
/u/under-girding.htm - 6k

Undergird (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so ...
/u/undergird.htm - 6k

Quicksands (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so ...
/q/quicksands.htm - 7k

Quicksand (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so ...
/q/quicksand.htm - 7k

Using (88 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:17 which having taken up, they were using helps, undergirding the ship,
and fearing lest they may fall on the quicksand, having let down the mast -- so ...
/u/using.htm - 31k

Mast (4 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:17 which having taken up, they were using helps, undergirding the ship,
and fearing lest they may fall on the quicksand, having let down the mast -- so ...
/m/mast.htm - 8k

Cauda (1 Occurrence)
... on board was driven under the lee of Cauda (Acts 27:16); in the calm water south
of the island the crew succeeded in hauling in the boat, undergirding the ship ...
/c/cauda.htm - 7k

Strake (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so ...
/s/strake.htm - 7k

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