Topical Bible: Measures of Length: Fathom

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, various measures of length were employed to describe distances, dimensions, and depths. Among these, the fathom is a unit primarily used to measure depth, particularly in maritime contexts. While the fathom is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, understanding its use and significance in ancient times can provide insight into the biblical world, especially in relation to seafaring and the measurement of water depths.

Definition and Historical Context

A fathom is traditionally defined as the length of a man's outstretched arms, approximately six feet or 1.8 meters. This measure was commonly used by sailors to gauge the depth of water, ensuring safe navigation and anchorage. The term "fathom" itself is derived from the Old English "fæðm," meaning "embrace" or "encompass," reflecting the span of a person's arms.

Biblical Context

While the specific term "fathom" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of measuring depth is present in various passages. For instance, in Acts 27:28, during the Apostle Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome, the sailors "took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms. A short time later they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms." This passage illustrates the practice of measuring water depth to avoid shipwreck, a critical concern for ancient mariners.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

In a broader theological context, the fathom can symbolize the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, which is beyond human comprehension. While the Bible does not directly use the fathom as a metaphor, the concept of depth is often employed to describe the vastness and unsearchable nature of God's attributes. For example, Romans 11:33 exclaims, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!"

Cultural and Practical Significance

The use of the fathom in ancient times underscores the importance of precise measurement in daily life and survival. Mariners relied on accurate depth measurements to navigate safely, reflecting a broader biblical theme of wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 3:21-23 advises, "My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble."

Conclusion

While the fathom as a unit of measure is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its application in maritime contexts provides valuable insight into the practices and concerns of ancient peoples. Understanding such measures enriches our comprehension of biblical narratives and the lived experiences of those within them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 27:28
And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ...
... son of Hystaspes, who determined the measures for its ... men might, with their arms
extended, fathom it round ... join their hands again, while its length was twenty ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod rebuilt.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... The southern portion of the building was occupied by the State apartments,
the largest of which measures only 40 feet in length. ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity
... Secondly, who is He that measures? ... fire of purification as no human heart can fathom
or express ... Augustine says, "Salvation does not depend on the length of time ...
/.../xx sermon for the fourth.htm

The American Experiments, 1734-1762.
... Red Indians"he perceived that special measures must be ... At length, accompanied by
five other Brethren, Spangenberg ... them, in solemn style, a fathom made of one ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiv the american experiments.htm

The Sixth Ennead Cfirst Tractate. On the Kinds of Being (1).
... of a thing, and the mind measures by availing ... in itself perhaps a fixed three yards'
length " will present ... to make these assertions, to fathom these problems ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/the sixth ennead cfirst tractate.htm

Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ...
... Detain'd them close spectators, through a length. ... Ten thousand thousand fathom;
there to rust,. ... And measures with his eye the various vales,. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/humbly inscribed to his grace.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... The entreaties of the Samians had at length encouraged Leotychidas and Xanthippus
to take the ... the interests of the league and to decide on the measures to be ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Three Homilies. On Our Lord.
... forth; the depths whereof none can fathom; the shores ... for the sake of giving
help.)"At length, when neither ... not by measure, [618] because all measures of the ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/three homilies on our lord.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... is not divisible into parts and measures, as being ... in the second proposition hath
more at length been signified ... been, that man hath sought to fathom the things ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm