Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, sailors are individuals who navigate and operate ships, primarily for trade, travel, or military purposes. The Bible references sailors in various passages, highlighting their roles, experiences, and the challenges they face at sea.Old Testament References The earliest mention of sailors can be found in the context of ancient maritime trade. The Phoenicians, known for their seafaring skills, are often associated with the biblical city of Tyre. Ezekiel 27 provides a vivid description of Tyre as a bustling maritime hub, where sailors and shipbuilders are integral to its economy. In Ezekiel 27:9, the prophet writes, "The elders of Gebal and their skilled workers were within you, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your goods." The account of Jonah also prominently features sailors. In Jonah 1, the prophet attempts to flee from God's command by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. A violent storm arises, and the sailors, fearing for their lives, cry out to their gods and throw cargo overboard to lighten the ship. Jonah 1:14-15 recounts their actions: "So they cried out to the LORD, 'Please, O LORD, do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood. For You, O LORD, have done as You pleased.' Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm." New Testament References In the New Testament, sailors are mentioned in the context of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. Acts 27 provides a detailed account of Paul's voyage to Rome, during which he encounters a severe storm. The sailors' expertise and actions are crucial in navigating the perilous conditions. Acts 27:30-32 describes a critical moment: "Meanwhile, the sailors attempted to escape from the ship, pretending to lower anchors from the bow. But Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, 'Unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved.' So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and set it adrift." Symbolism and Themes Sailors in the Bible often symbolize human vulnerability and dependence on divine intervention. The sea, with its unpredictable nature, serves as a metaphor for life's uncertainties and the need for faith in God's providence. The experiences of sailors, as depicted in Scripture, underscore themes of obedience, repentance, and salvation. Cultural and Historical Context In biblical times, sailors were essential to the economic and cultural exchanges between nations. The Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and other bodies of water facilitated trade routes that connected various civilizations. Sailors, therefore, played a crucial role in the dissemination of goods, ideas, and cultural practices. Moral and Spiritual Lessons The narratives involving sailors often convey moral and spiritual lessons. Jonah's account, for instance, illustrates the futility of fleeing from God's will and the power of repentance. The sailors' eventual recognition of the LORD's sovereignty serves as a testament to God's authority over creation. Similarly, Paul's journey to Rome highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, even amidst life's storms. In summary, sailors in the Bible are depicted as skilled navigators who face the perils of the sea, often serving as instruments through which God's purposes are fulfilled. Their accounts offer rich insights into the human condition and the divine-human relationship. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who follows the business of navigating ships or other vessels; one who understands the practical management of ships; one of the crew of a vessel; a mariner; a common seaman.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SAIL; SAILORsal, sal'-er. Greek 3492. nautes -- a seaman ... a seaman. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: nautes Phonetic Spelling: (now'-tace) Short Definition: a sailor Definition: a sailor, seaman. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3492.htm - 6k 231. halieus -- a fisherman Strong's Hebrew 2259. chobel -- sailor... 2258, 2259. chobel. 2260 . sailor. Transliteration: chobel Phonetic Spelling: (kho-bale') Short Definition: pilots. Word Origin ... /hebrew/2259.htm - 6k 4419. mallach -- a mariner Library The Sailor's Grave. LMC Wesley. The Sailor's Hymn. "Pull for the Shore, Sailor. " M. Mrs. Sigourney. Prayer for the Sailor. Essay iii. Si Partem Tacuisse Velim, Quodeumque Relinquam, Majus ... The Power of God's Word to Deliver Men from Sin. The Indwelling and Outgoing Works of God. "In the Uttermost Parts of the Sea" A Startling Statement Sowing in the Wind, Reaping under Clouds Thesaurus Sailor (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SAIL; SAILOR. sal, sal'-er. See SHIPS AND BOATS, II, 2, (3); III, 2. Multi-Version Concordance Sailor (1 Occurrence). ... /s/sailor.htm - 7k Sailors (9 Occurrences) Sailing (23 Occurrences) Yarn (37 Occurrences) Tar (3 Occurrences) Trick (11 Occurrences) Ration (2 Occurrences) Eye (145 Occurrences) Euraquilo (1 Occurrence) Mariner Resources Are mermaids mentioned in the Bible? Do mermaids exist? | GotQuestions.orgSailor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sailor (1 Occurrence)Revelation 18:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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