Sailing, as a mode of transportation and commerce, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean world. The Bible references sailing in various passages, illustrating its importance in trade, travel, and the spread of the Gospel.

Old Testament Context

While the Old Testament does not extensively detail sailing, it does provide glimpses into maritime activities. The construction of ships and the use of the sea for trade are mentioned, particularly in relation to the Phoenicians, who were renowned sailors. In 1 Kings 9:26-28, King Solomon is noted for building a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in partnership with Hiram of Tyre. This fleet was used to bring gold from Ophir, highlighting the role of sailing in economic endeavors.

The prophet Isaiah also alludes to the significance of maritime trade in Isaiah 23, where he prophesies against Tyre, a major Phoenician port city known for its ships and commerce. The imagery of ships and the sea serves as a metaphor for the city's impending downfall.

New Testament Context

The New Testament provides more detailed accounts of sailing, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. The Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys frequently involved travel by sea, underscoring the importance of sailing in the spread of Christianity. Acts 27 provides a vivid narrative of Paul's voyage to Rome, which includes a perilous storm and shipwreck. This account not only illustrates the challenges of ancient maritime travel but also serves as a testament to God's providence and protection.

In Acts 27:13-15 , it is written: "When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along." This passage highlights the unpredictability of sea travel and the reliance on favorable winds.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Sailing and the sea often carry symbolic meanings in Scripture. The sea can represent chaos and danger, as seen in the account of Jonah, where a great storm arises, and Jonah is thrown overboard to calm the sea (Jonah 1:4-15). Conversely, Jesus' calming of the storm in the Gospels (e.g., Mark 4:35-41) demonstrates His authority over nature and His ability to bring peace amidst turmoil.

The imagery of ships and sailing is also used metaphorically in the Epistles. James 3:4 states, "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." This metaphor illustrates the power of the tongue and the importance of self-control.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the ancient world, sailing was a crucial component of trade and communication. The Mediterranean Sea, with its numerous ports and trade routes, facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. The Bible's references to sailing reflect this historical reality and provide insight into the daily lives and challenges faced by those who traveled by sea.

The construction and design of ships during biblical times varied, with larger vessels used for long-distance trade and smaller boats for fishing and local transport. The reliance on wind patterns and the dangers of storms made sailing a risky endeavor, requiring skill and experience.

Conclusion

Sailing in the Bible serves as a backdrop for significant events and teachings, illustrating both the practical aspects of ancient life and the deeper spiritual truths conveyed through maritime imagery. Through the accounts of voyages, shipwrecks, and the calming of storms, the Bible reveals the interplay between human endeavor and divine intervention on the high seas.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sail.

2. (n.) The act of one who, or that which, sails; the motion of a vessel on water, impelled by wind or steam; the act of starting on a voyage.

3. (n.) The art of managing a vessel; seamanship; navigation; as, globular sailing; oblique sailing.

4144. ploos -- a voyage
... a voyage. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: ploos or plous Phonetic
Spelling: (plo'-os) Short Definition: a voyage Definition: a voyage, sailing. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4144.htm - 6k

3881. paralegomai -- to sail past or coast along
... Word Origin from para and lego Definition to sail past or coast along NASB Word
Usage sailing along (1), sailing past (1). pass, sail by. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3881.htm - 6k

4126. pleo -- to sail
... sea, voyage. Word Origin a prim. word Definition to sail NASB Word Usage
passenger* (1), sail (1), sailing (4). sail. Another form ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4126.htm - 6k

636. apopleo -- to sail away
... sail away. Word Origin from apo and pleo Definition to sail away NASB Word
Usage sail (1), sailed (2), sailing (1). sail away. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/636.htm - 6k

How Germanus the Bishop, Sailing into Britain with Lupus, First ...
... XVII. How Germanus the Bishop, sailing into Britain with Lupus, first quelled the
tempest of the sea, and afterwards that of the Pelagians, by Divine power. ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xvii how germanus the.htm

Introduction.
... But, alas! how few are sailing tranquil waters. ... Yonder in the distance we see
gay, glittering crafts sailing about in a state of unrest. ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/introduction.htm

Steam and Sails
... STEAM AND SAILS. All the vessels on the oceans can be divided into two classes:
steamships and sailing vessels. The sailing vessels ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/steam and sails.htm

God the Teacher.
... If a ship sinks, for want of good sailing or other defect, that is a judgment of
God about the ship. ... And the land to which we are sailing is eternal Life. ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xi god the teacher.htm

Acts XXVII
... (6) There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria, sailing for Italy, and put us
on board of it." Thus, according to expectation, they fell in with a vessel ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

If any one Wishes to Hear the Arrangements for My Journey from ...
... It would be easy for me to tell of the circumstances of your departure, your age,
the date of sailing, the places in which you lived, the company you kept. ...
/.../22 if any one wishes.htm

A Break to Canada
... In advance of each sailing, full particulars were mailed to The Salvation Army officers
who were responsible for meeting the boat at the port of landing, and ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/viii a break to canada.htm

The Fort Sumter Expedition
... The singing was led by Mr. Bradbury, while among the songs were "We are out on the
ocean sailing," "John Brown's Soul is Marching on," "We'll Hang Jeff Davis ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/the fort sumter expedition.htm

The Way the Sail is Set.
... THE WAY THE SAIL IS SET. I stood beside the open sea; The ships went sailing by;
The wind blew softly o'er the lea; The sun had cloudless sky. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/the way the sail is.htm

The Desired Haven.
... Long since safe are landed on a calm and friendly shore: Now the sailing orders
in mercy, Lord, bestow". ... Then the sailing orders the Captain shall bestow". ...
/.../borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/the desired haven.htm

Sailing (23 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The art of managing a vessel; seamanship; navigation; as, globular sailing;
oblique sailing. Multi-Version Concordance Sailing (23 Occurrences). ...
/s/sailing.htm - 13k

Sail (32 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A sailing vessel; a vessel of any kind; a craft. 6. (n.) A passage
by a sailing vessel; a journey or excursion upon the water. ...
/s/sail.htm - 17k

Trim (4 Occurrences)
... a boat. 6. (vt) To arrange in due order for sailing; as, to trim the sails.
7. (vt) To rebuke; to reprove; also, to beat. 8. (vi ...
/t/trim.htm - 9k

Coasting (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Coast. 2. (a.) Sailing along
or near a coast, or running between ports along a coast. ...
/c/coasting.htm - 7k

Adria (1 Occurrence)
... After leaving Crete the vessel in which the apostle Paul was sailing under military
escort was "driven to and fro in the sea of Adria" fourteen days (Acts 27:27 ...
/a/adria.htm - 8k

Towns (450 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2 And we went to sea in a ship of Adramyttium which was sailing to the sea
towns of Asia, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. ...
/t/towns.htm - 36k

Reached (152 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem. "After that," he said, "I must also see Rome." (WEY). Acts
20:15 Sailing from there, we arrived the next day off Chios. On ...
/r/reached.htm - 35k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... 26, the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American)); "pilot,"
chobhel (Jonah 1:6 Ezekiel 27:8, 27, 28, 29); "sailing," "voyage," plous ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... 26, the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American)); "pilot,"
chobhel (Jonah 1:6 Ezekiel 27:8, 27, 28, 29); "sailing," "voyage," plous ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

Run (147 Occurrences)
... six months. 33. (v.) To sail before the wind, in distinction from reaching or
sailing closehauled; -- said of vessels. 34. (a.) Specifically ...
/r/run.htm - 43k

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