Undergird
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Definition and Usage:
The term "undergird" refers to the act of providing support or strengthening something from beneath. In a nautical context, it involves the practice of passing ropes or chains under a ship to secure and reinforce it, especially during a storm or when the vessel is in danger of breaking apart. This practice is known as "frapping."

Biblical Reference:
The concept of undergirding is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, in the account of the Apostle Paul's perilous sea 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."

Contextual Analysis:
In Acts 27, Paul is being transported as a prisoner to Rome when the ship encounters a violent storm. The crew, recognizing the severity of the situation, takes measures to secure the ship by undergirding it. This action reflects the urgency and seriousness of their predicament, as well as their reliance on practical measures to preserve the vessel and its occupants.

Theological Implications:
The act of undergirding in this passage can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual support and strength that believers are called to provide for one another. Just as the ship required physical reinforcement to withstand the storm, Christians are encouraged to uphold and support each other through prayer, encouragement, and acts of service, especially during times of trial and adversity.

Related Concepts:
· Support and Strengthening: The broader biblical theme of providing support is evident throughout Scripture. Believers are exhorted to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2) and to "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
· Divine Support: The concept of undergirding also parallels the divine support that God provides to His people. In Isaiah 41:10 , God reassures His people, saying, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Practical Application:
In the life of the church, the principle of undergirding can be applied through discipleship, mentorship, and community support. Believers are called to actively engage in the lives of others, offering spiritual, emotional, and practical support to help them navigate the challenges of life. This mutual support reflects the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ.

Conclusion:
While the term "undergird" is used in a specific nautical context in the Bible, its implications extend to the spiritual and communal life of believers. By undergirding one another, Christians fulfill the biblical mandate to love and support each other, reflecting the sustaining grace of God in their lives.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Undergird

Passing a cable several times under and around a ship and tightening it on deck, to prevent the working and parting of the timbers and planks in a gale, Acts 27:17. The process is called frapping, and has been resorted to in various instances in modern times.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(v. t.) To blind below; to gird round the bottom.
Greek
5269. hupozonnumi -- to undergird
... to undergird. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hupozonnumi Phonetic Spelling:
(hoop-od-zone'-noo-mee) Short Definition: I under-gird Definition: I under ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5269.htm - 6k
Library

Acts XXVII
... The second was to undergird the ship, a process called frapping in modern style,
which consists in passing heavy cables under the hull, and fastening them ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ...
... of political affinity and interest. Religion is the bond of charity, which
in storms must undergird the skip.". We accord to the ...
/.../chapter 3 from the death.htm

The Flood-Tide of Power.
... Its peculiar characteristic and charm will be the heart of love in it. Love will
envelop and undergird and pervade and exude from all service. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the flood-tide of power.htm

Thesaurus
Undergird (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To blind below; to gird round the bottom.
Multi-Version Concordance Undergird (1 Occurrence). Acts ...
/u/undergird.htm - 6k

Undergarments (6 Occurrences)

/u/undergarments.htm - 8k

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

Gear (3 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:17 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird
the ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven on the Syrtis quicksands ...
/g/gear.htm - 8k

Frapping (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird
the ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven on the Syrtis quicksands ...
/f/frapping.htm - 6k

Frapping-cables (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird
the ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven on the Syrtis quicksands ...
/f/frapping-cables.htm - 6k

Board (47 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:17 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird
the ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven on the Syrtis quicksands ...
/b/board.htm - 23k

Afraid (361 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:17 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird
the ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven on the Syrtis quicksands ...
/a/afraid.htm - 35k

Hoisting (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:17 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird
the ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven on the Syrtis quicksands ...
/h/hoisting.htm - 7k

Resources
What is evidential apologetics? | GotQuestions.org

Undergird: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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