The term "steersman" refers to the individual responsible for steering a ship, guiding its course through the waters. In biblical times, the role of the steersman was crucial for navigation, especially in the treacherous and unpredictable conditions of the Mediterranean Sea. The steersman had to possess not only skill and experience but also a deep understanding of the sea, weather patterns, and the vessel itself.

Biblical References:

The concept of a steersman is implicitly present in several passages of the New Testament, where nautical imagery is used to convey spiritual truths. One of the most notable references is found in the Book of Acts, during the Apostle Paul's voyage to Rome. In Acts 27, Paul is aboard a ship that encounters a violent storm. The crew, including the steersman, struggles to maintain control of the vessel. Acts 27:15-17 describes the situation: "The ship was caught in the storm and could not head into the wind, so we gave way and were driven along. As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the lifeboat. After hoisting it up, the crew used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along."

In this passage, the steersman's efforts to navigate the ship amidst the storm highlight the challenges faced by those responsible for guiding others through difficult circumstances. The imagery of the ship being driven along by the storm serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by believers, who must rely on their faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to navigate life's challenges.

Spiritual Significance:

The role of the steersman can be seen as analogous to spiritual leadership within the Christian community. Just as a steersman guides a ship, spiritual leaders are called to guide their congregations, providing direction and support through the storms of life. This requires wisdom, discernment, and a reliance on God's Word as the ultimate compass.

James 3:4 uses the imagery of a ship's rudder to illustrate the power of the tongue: "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." Here, the steersman, or pilot, represents the influence of words and the importance of self-control in guiding one's life and the lives of others.

Historical Context:

In the ancient world, the steersman held a position of great responsibility and respect. Ships were vital for trade, travel, and communication, and the success of a voyage often depended on the skill of the steersman. The Apostle Paul's experiences at sea, as recorded in Acts, reflect the realities of maritime travel in the first century, where the expertise of the steersman was essential for survival.

The steersman's role also underscores the importance of community and cooperation. A successful voyage required the coordinated efforts of the entire crew, with the steersman playing a key role in ensuring that the ship reached its destination safely. This serves as a reminder of the value of unity and collaboration within the body of Christ, as believers work together to fulfill God's purposes.

In summary, the steersman is a figure that embodies leadership, guidance, and the ability to navigate through adversity. The biblical references to nautical themes provide rich metaphors for understanding the spiritual journey and the role of leaders in guiding others toward a deeper relationship with God.(n.) One who steers; the helmsman of a vessel.2942. kubernetes -- a steersman, pilot
... a steersman, pilot. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kubernetes
Phonetic Spelling: (koo-ber-nay'-tace) Short Definition: a steersman, pilot ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2942.htm - 6k

How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and ...
... Hence it is written previously, And thou shalt be as one that sleepeth in the midst
of the sea, and as a steersman that is lulled to rest, having let go the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxxii how those are.htm

But if it Seems Difficult for You to Understand This...
... however, it is impossible to navigate without the rudder, by which it can be kept
under command, and turned in whatsoever direction its steersman may wish to ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/19 but if it seems.htm

Pretended Symbolical Explanations.
... the forms of matter, and rooted to the earth, deify the changes of the elements:
just as if any one should put the ship he sailed in the place of the steersman ...
/.../a plea for the christians/chapter xxii pretended symbolical explanations.htm

The First Book
... controller of all things. The Stoics testify that he remains always as
steersman within that which he guides. What truer or more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

A Sermon on the Boat Race.
... and defeat. It is important to have, as steersman, one who knows the currents,
and just when to alter the course. The youngster ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxi a sermon on the.htm

And after Three Days we Reached Land, and for Twenty-Eight Days ...
... land, and for twenty-eight days journeyed through uninhabited country, and the food
ran out and hunger overtook them; and one day the steersman began saying ...
/.../patrick/the confession of st patrick/section 19 and after three.htm

And on the Same Day that I Arrived...
... the same day that I arrived, the ship was setting out from the place, and I said
that I had the wherewithal to sail with them; and the steersman was displeased ...
/.../patrick/the confession of st patrick/section 18 and on the.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... the most part having passed away with him, unable to bear with the place of our
affliction, especially now that we have lost our skilful steersman, our light ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

1 Cor. Ii. 6, 7
... endeavor by reasonings to prove that the thing is possible; but some other person,
ignorant of it all, committing himself to a ship and a steersman and sailors ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily vii 1 cor ii.htm

The Storm Stilled
... There was a leather, or perhaps wooden, movable seat in the stern for the steersman,
on which a wearied-out man might lay his head, while his body was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the storm stilled.htm

Steersman (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who steers; the helmsman of a vessel.
Multi-Version Concordance Steersman (2 Occurrences). James ...
/s/steersman.htm - 7k

Governor (78 Occurrences)
... Pennsylvania. 2. (n.) One who has the care or guardianship of a young man;
a tutor; a guardian. 3. (n.) A pilot; a steersman. 4. (n ...
/g/governor.htm - 48k

Stem (18 Occurrences)

/s/stem.htm - 13k

Governments (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (1 Corinthians 12:28), the powers which fit a man for
a place of influence in the church; "the steersman's art; the art of guiding ...
/g/governments.htm - 7k

Willeth (14 Occurrences)
... ships also, though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, are yet turned
about by a very small rudder, whither the impulse of the steersman willeth. ...
/w/willeth.htm - 11k

Impulse (18 Occurrences)
... ships also, though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, are yet turned
about by a very small rudder, whither the impulse of the steersman willeth. ...
/i/impulse.htm - 12k

Rough (24 Occurrences)
... ships also, though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, are yet turned
about by a very small rudder, whither the impulse of the steersman willeth. ...
/r/rough.htm - 15k

Pilot (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One employed to steer a vessel; a helmsman;
a steersman. 2. (n.) Specifically, a person duly qualified ...
/p/pilot.htm - 7k

Steers (1 Occurrence)

/s/steers.htm - 6k

Helm (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) The place or office of direction or administration. 4. (n.) One at the place
of direction or control; a steersman; hence, a guide; a director. ...
/h/helm.htm - 7k

Steersman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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