In the context of the Bible, the term "rower" refers to individuals who propel a boat or ship by using oars. While the specific term "rower" is not frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, the concept of rowing and the use of oars are present in several passages, illustrating both literal and metaphorical meanings.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 27:26 : "Your rowers have brought you onto the high seas. But the east wind will break you to pieces in the heart of the sea." This passage is part of a lamentation over the city of Tyre, a prominent maritime power. The rowers here symbolize the skilled navigators and sailors who guided the ships of Tyre. The imagery of rowers being overtaken by the east wind serves as a metaphor for the impending judgment and destruction that would come upon the city.

2. Jonah 1:13 : "Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea was raging against them more and more." In the account of Jonah, the sailors attempt to row back to land to save themselves and Jonah from the storm sent by God. Their efforts highlight human determination and the futility of resisting divine will, as ultimately, they must submit to God's plan by throwing Jonah overboard.

Symbolic Meaning:

In biblical literature, rowers and the act of rowing can symbolize human effort and endeavor. The physical exertion required to row a vessel against the currents or in the midst of a storm can be seen as a metaphor for human struggle against life's challenges or against divine will. The futility of the sailors' efforts in Jonah's account underscores the theme of submission to God's sovereignty.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, rowing was a common method of propelling ships, especially in the Mediterranean region. Ships often relied on both sails and oars, with rowers playing a crucial role in navigation and maneuvering, particularly in adverse weather conditions or when precision was required. Rowers were typically slaves or hired laborers, and their work was physically demanding, requiring strength and coordination.

Spiritual Lessons:

The imagery of rowers in the Bible can serve as a reminder of the limitations of human strength and the necessity of relying on God's guidance. Just as rowers must work in harmony to move a vessel forward, believers are called to work together in unity, guided by the Holy Spirit, to advance the mission of the Church. The accounts involving rowers also encourage believers to recognize the futility of resisting God's will and to trust in His divine plan, even amidst life's storms.(n.) One who rows with an oar.ROWER; ROWING

ro'-er, ro'-ing.

See SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 1.

5256. hupereteo -- to serve as a rower, to minister to, serve
... to serve as a rower, to minister to, serve. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration:
hupereteo Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-ay-ret-eh'-o) Short Definition: I minister ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5256.htm - 7k

5257. huperetes -- an underling, servant
... 5257 (from 5259 , "under" and , "to row") -- properly, a rower (a crewman on a boat),
an "under-rower" who mans the oars on a lower deck; (figuratively) a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5257.htm - 7k

7751. shuwt -- to go or rove about
... to go or rove about. Transliteration: shuwt Phonetic Spelling: (shoot) Short Definition:
about. go about, through, to and fro, mariner, rower, run to and fro ...
/hebrew/7751.htm - 5k

Darkly the Tempest Swept,
... Over the sea; Fiercely the billows leapt,. Bounding and free; Sternly each rower
bent,. While in the firmament. Clouds were by lightnings rent,. O'er Galilee. II ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the apostolic church/darkly the tempest swept.htm

Darkly the Tempest Swept
... Over the sea; Fiercely the billows leapt,. Bounding and free; Sternly each rower
bent,. While in the firmament. Clouds were by lightnings rent,. O'er Galilee. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/darkly the tempest swept.htm

The Essential Elements of Christian Experience.
... Want, the struggling demand for supply, and the gratification, form a process of
development which gives such Rower to the sensibility as generates ere long an ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxiv the essential elements of.htm

Diamond Said Nothing to his Mother About his Adventures. ...
... I must be off. Only first just look at the man.". "He's not much of a rower" said
Diamond"-"paddling first with one fin and then with the other.". ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 5 diamond said nothing.htm

Rower
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who rows with an oar. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. ROWER; ROWING. ro'-er, ro'-ing. See SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 1. ...
/r/rower.htm - 6k

Oar (1 Occurrence)
... at the other. The part which rests in the rowlock is called the loom. 2.
(n) An oarsman; a rower; as, he is a good oar. 3. (n) An ...
/o/oar.htm - 7k

Rowers (2 Occurrences)

/r/rowers.htm - 6k

Rowing (2 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Row. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ROWER; ROWING. ro'-er, ro'-ing.
See SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 1. Multi-Version Concordance Rowing (2 Occurrences ...
/r/rowing.htm - 7k

Rowed (2 Occurrences)

/r/rowed.htm - 7k

Minister (150 Occurrences)
... (4.) Greek hyperetes (literally, "under-rower"), a personal attendant on a superior,
thus of the person who waited on the officiating priest in the synagogue ...
/m/minister.htm - 40k

Cushion (3 Occurrences)
... word means literally, a cushion for the head (the King James Version "pillow") but
was also used of one for sitting or reclining upon, eg of a rower's cushion. ...
/c/cushion.htm - 9k

Stroke (26 Occurrences)
... are guided; -- called also stroke oar. 13. (n.) The rower who pulls the
stroke oar; the strokes man. 14. (n.) A powerful or sudden ...
/s/stroke.htm - 16k

Stretcher (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A piece of timber used in building. 4. (n.) A narrow crosspiece of
the bottom of a boat against which a rower braces his feet. ...
/s/stretcher.htm - 8k

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