Lexical Summary bolizó: To heave the lead, to take soundings Original Word: βολίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to take soundingsFrom bolis; to heave the lead -- sound. see GREEK bolis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bolis Definition to heave the lead NASB Translation took soundings (1), took...sounding (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1001: βολίζωβολίζω: 1 aorist ἐβολισα; (βολίς a missile, dart; a line and plummet with which mariners sound the depth of the sea, a sounding-lead); to heave the lead, take soundings: Acts 27:28. (Besides only in Eustathius; (middle intransitive, to sink in water, Geoponica, 6, 17).) Topical Lexicon Nautical BackgroundIn the maritime world of the first century, sailors frequently “took soundings” by casting a weighted line marked with fathoms to learn the depth beneath the keel. This safeguarded ships from unseen shoals and guided them toward safe anchorage. Ancient historians such as Strabo and Pliny mention the practice; archaeological finds of bronze-tipped sounding leads confirm its ubiquity. In Greek, the action is captured by βολίζω, the verb Luke employs in Acts 27. Place in Luke’s Narrative of Acts 27 Luke’s travel diary reaches its dramatic climax when Paul, as a prisoner en route to Rome, is caught in a violent northeaster (Acts 27:14). After two weeks adrift, the crew senses they are nearing land: “Taking soundings, they found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms.” (Acts 27:28) Luke records the procedure twice, showing the rapid shallowing of the sea floor as the ship approached the shoals off Malta. The double sounding heightens tension and prepares the reader for the imminent shipwreck (Acts 27:39-44). It also demonstrates Luke’s reliability as an eyewitness or compiler of first-hand testimony; his precise nautical terminology matches ancient seafaring practice, lending historical credibility to the entire account. Ministerial and Theological Significance 1. Verification of Providence The careful sounding contrasts human caution with God’s overarching sovereignty. Though the sailors gauge depth, it is the Lord who ultimately delivers all two-hundred-seventy-six souls exactly as He promised through Paul (Acts 27:22-25, 44). The detail underscores that prudent action and divine assurance coexist; believers act responsibly while resting in God’s faithfulness (compare Proverbs 21:31). 2. Validation of Paul’s Prophetic Authority The sailors rely on empirical data; Paul relies on a word from God. When both align—soundings confirm land is near—Paul’s credibility before pagans is strengthened. His later healing ministry on Malta (Acts 28:8-9) flows naturally from the respect earned during the crisis. The episode models how practical wisdom complements spiritual leadership. 3. Illustration of Salvation Imagery Passing safely from deep to shallow water anticipates final rescue. Luke’s vocabulary evokes Psalm 107:23-30, where those “who go down to the sea in ships” cry to the Lord and He brings them “to their desired haven.” The soundings mark the transition from peril to deliverance, mirroring the passage from death to life promised in the gospel. Practical Lessons for the Church • Discernment: Just as sailors measure unseen depths, believers must examine cultural currents, testing spirits and doctrines (1 John 4:1) while navigating toward the harbor of truth. • Vigilance and Faith: Responsible action (taking soundings) does not negate reliance on God’s word; it exemplifies it. Christian leaders today balance strategic planning with prayerful dependence. • Witness Through Competence: Luke’s competent portrayal of seamanship commends the gospel to educated readers. Excellence in one’s vocation enhances evangelistic credibility (Colossians 3:23-24). Summary Strong’s Greek 1001 marks more than a nautical maneuver; it anchors Luke’s history in lived reality, amplifies Paul’s testimony, and offers enduring lessons on prudence, providence, and faith for every generation that finds itself navigating uncertain waters. Forms and Transliterations βολισαντες βολίσαντες bolisantes bolísantesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 27:28 V-APA-NMPGRK: καὶ βολίσαντες εὗρον ὀργυιὰς NAS: They took soundings and found KJV: And sounded, and found [it] twenty INT: and having sounded they found fathoms Acts 27:28 V-APA-NMP |
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