A figurehead, in the context of biblical times, refers to a carved image or emblem placed on the prow of a ship. This practice was common in ancient maritime cultures, where figureheads often represented deities, animals, or other symbolic figures believed to offer protection or bring good fortune to the vessel and its crew.

Biblical Reference:

The term "figurehead" is specifically mentioned in the account of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome in the Book of Acts. In Acts 28:11 , it is recorded: "After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux." This passage highlights the presence of a figurehead on the ship that carried Paul, which was adorned with the images of Castor and Pollux, the twin sons of Zeus in Greek mythology, who were considered patrons of sailors.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient world, figureheads were not merely decorative but held significant cultural and religious importance. Mariners often believed that these carvings could invoke the favor of the gods or serve as a talisman against the perils of the sea. The figurehead of Castor and Pollux on the Alexandrian ship reflects the syncretism prevalent in the Roman Empire, where Greek and Roman deities were commonly revered.

The use of figureheads can be seen as part of the broader practice of idolatry, which is addressed throughout the Bible. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against the worship of idols and the adoption of pagan customs. For instance, in Exodus 20:4-5 , God commands, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them."

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the presence of a figurehead on the ship carrying Paul serves as a reminder of the pervasive influence of paganism in the ancient world. Despite the prevalence of such practices, the narrative of Acts underscores the sovereignty of God over all creation, including the sea and its dangers. Paul's safe passage to Rome, despite the ship's pagan adornments, illustrates the power and providence of God in fulfilling His purposes.

The account also highlights the early Christian engagement with a diverse and often hostile cultural environment. The Apostle Paul, while navigating a world filled with idolatry, remained steadfast in his mission to proclaim the Gospel. His journey on a ship with a pagan figurehead symbolizes the broader mission of the Church to bring the light of Christ into all corners of the world, regardless of prevailing cultural or religious practices.1. (n.) The figure, statue, or bust, on the prow of a ship.

2. (n.) A person who allows his name to be used to give standing to enterprises in which he has no responsible interest or duties; a nominal, but not real, head or chief.

3902. parasemos -- marked amiss, marked at the side, marked with a ...
... Word Origin from para and sema (a sign, mark) Definition marked amiss, marked at
the side, marked with a sign NASB Word Usage figurehead (1), had (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3902.htm - 6k

The Golden Age, 1572-1603.
... But the truth is that the King of Bohemia was now a mere figurehead. The real power
lay in the hands of the barons. The barons were Protestant almost to a man. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xii the golden age.htm

The Counter-Reformation
History of the Catholic Church, Renaissance to French Revolution. <. ...
/.../chapter iv the counter-reformation.htm

Figurehead (1 Occurrence)
... nominal, but not real, head or chief. Multi-Version Concordance Figurehead
(1 Occurrence). Acts 28:11 After three months, we set ...
/f/figurehead.htm - 6k

Figures (11 Occurrences)

/f/figures.htm - 9k

Figured (4 Occurrences)

/f/figured.htm - 8k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... 28:11), "the sign" (parasemon) is given, and she is called "The Twin Brothers."
The expression shows that it was in painting or relief; a figurehead, with the ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... 28:11), "the sign" (parasemon) is given, and she is called "The Twin Brothers."
The expression shows that it was in painting or relief; a figurehead, with the ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

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