Brief Overview of ναῦς (Strong’s G3491: naus)

Unveiling the Word

In the study of biblical Greek, understanding the specific meanings and uses of key terms can significantly enhance one’s comprehension of the New Testament. The Greek word ναῦς (naus), which means “ship,” is particularly significant because of its frequent mention in the context of sea travel in the ancient Mediterranean world. Its occurrence in passages like Acts 27:41, which describes the shipwreck that Paul experienced, demonstrates its importance to New Testament narratives and the everyday life of the early church. Beyond its biblical usage, naus also reflects ancient Greek culture’s reliance on maritime activities for commerce, war, and communication.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: ναῦς (naus), pronounced nah-oos.

Etymology: The word naus comes from the ancient Greek root ναῦς, meaning “ship” or “vessel.” It is related to other nautical terms, such as ναύτης (nautēs), meaning “sailor,” and ναυαγός (nauagos), meaning “shipwrecked.” The root also survives in modern English terms like “nautical” and “astronaut.”

Part of Speech: Noun, feminine. This word falls under the third declension in Greek grammar.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Ship or Vessel: The primary meaning of naus is a “ship” or “vessel” used for travel and commerce. In ancient Greece, ships played a crucial role in transporting goods, people, and messages across the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

2. Figurative Use: While naus typically refers to a literal ship, it can also be used figuratively to represent a journey or a passage, emphasizing the dangers or trials faced in life, much like Paul’s dangerous sea voyages.

Exploring Similar Words

1. πλοῖον (ploion) [pronunciation: ploy-on]: A general term for a “boat” or “small ship,” often used interchangeably with naus but typically referring to smaller vessels.

Support our Israeli friends

Use code: FOG20 for a 20% discount.

Learn More

2. ναυάγιον (nauagion) [pronunciation: nah-wah-gee-on]: Refers specifically to “shipwreck,” as seen in Paul’s shipwreck narratives. While related to naus, it carries a more negative connotation related to disaster.

3. ναύτης (nautēs) [pronunciation: nah-o-tes]: Meaning “sailor,” this word refers to the crew of a ship, distinguished from the ship itself, but still closely related.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a third-declension noun, naus follows specific patterns for its declension:

Case Singular Plural

Nominative ναῦς νῆες

Genitive νεώς νεῶν

Dative νηΐ ναυσί(ν)

Accusative ναῦν ναῦς

This declension is typical of third-declension feminine nouns in Greek, with some irregularities, especially in the genitive and dative cases.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word naus is discussed extensively in classical and biblical lexicons, with its usage rooted in both common and poetic references to ships. In New Testament contexts, the word appears in narratives involving Paul’s missionary journeys, reflecting the perilous sea travel that was common in his time. Classical Greek writers like Homer and Herodotus often used naus to describe ships in both everyday and epic scenarios, from battle to exploration. In the New Testament, naus is tied to the theological narrative of God’s providence in Paul’s travels, underscoring themes of trust and divine protection.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 27:41 – “But the ship [ναῦς] struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.”

2. Revelation 8:9 – “A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships [ναῦς] were destroyed.”

3. Acts 28:11 – “After three months we put out to sea in a ship [ναῦς] that had wintered in the island.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ναῦς appears frequently, reflecting the maritime culture of ancient Greece and its heavy reliance on ships for trade, warfare, and exploration. Here are some examples:

Author Name of Work English Text with ναῦς

Homer Odyssey “The swift ship [ναῦς] cuts through the waves.”

Herodotus Histories “They set sail with many ships [ναῦς].”

Septuagint Ezekiel “The ships [ναῦς] of Tarshish were the carriers of your trade.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word ναῦς plays a critical role in both classical Greek literature and New Testament narratives, signifying more than just a vessel—it represents the lifeblood of travel, trade, and communication in the ancient world. The importance of ships is evident in Paul’s missionary journeys and his perilous sea voyages, which are described using the term naus. Understanding this word helps readers grasp the centrality of maritime activities in the ancient Mediterranean world and its significance to the spread of early Christianity.

Did You Know?

1. The word naus is the root for modern words like “nautical” and “astronaut.”

2. Ancient Mediterranean trade routes relied heavily on ships like the naus to transport goods between major cities like Rome, Alexandria, and Corinth.

3. In Homer’s Odyssey, the word naus is used repeatedly to describe Odysseus’s long journey home, emphasizing the dangers of the sea.