Strong’s G4408: A feminine noun referring to the prow or forward part of a ship. Used in maritime contexts, particularly in Acts’ account of Paul’s shipwreck. Represents both a technical nautical term and, in broader ancient literature, symbolizes direction, guidance, and leadership.

U- Unveiling the Word

πρῷρα is a technical maritime term referring specifically to the bow or forward section of a ship. In the New Testament, it appears in the dramatic narrative of Paul’s shipwreck in Acts 27, where it plays a crucial role in describing the sailors’ actions. Beyond its literal meaning, the word carried cultural significance in the ancient Mediterranean world, where seafaring was central to commerce and communication. Early Christian writers often used nautical imagery, including πρῷρα, as metaphors for the church’s journey through troubled waters, with Christ as the navigator. Today, this maritime imagery continues to resonate in Christian teaching about divine guidance through life’s storms.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρῷρα, prōra, /pro-rah/
• Detailed pronunciation: PROH-rah (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: possibly related to πρό (pro) – “before, forward”
• Suffix: -ρα (-ra) – nominal ending
• Ancient maritime term with cognates in other Indo-European languages

D – Defining Meanings

• Bow of a ship
• Forward part of a vessel
• Prow

For compound words: Not a compound word, but likely derived from the concept of “forward” or “before”

Translation Options:

• “Bow” – Modern nautical terminology
• “Prow” – More literary and traditional
• “Front of the ship” – Most accessible to general readers

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρύμνα (prumna) /proom-nah/ – “stern of a ship” – See G4403
• ναῦς (naus) /nous/ – “ship” – See G3491
• πλοῖον (ploion) /ploy-on/ – “boat, ship” – See G4143

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun of the first declension, πρῷρα follows these patterns:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: ἡ πρῷρα (the bow)
• Genitive: τῆς πρῷρας (of the bow)
• Dative: τῇ πρῷρᾳ (to/at the bow)
• Accusative: τὴν πρῷραν (the bow)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines πρῷρα as the forward part of a ship, noting its technical usage in Acts. Thayer’s emphasizes its distinction from other nautical terms. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use in classical maritime literature. Vine’s notes its single appearance in the New Testament. Strong’s connects it etymologically to the concept of “forward.” Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri describing ship inventories and naval operations. LEH discusses its appearance in Greek translations of maritime passages in the Old Testament.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 27:30 “And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the bow [πρῷρα].”

Additional References:
Acts 27:41

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πρῷρα reminds us that life’s journey, like Paul’s voyage, may face storms and challenges. Just as the bow of a ship breaks through waves, Christ leads us through life’s turbulent waters. The word appears at a crucial moment in Acts, where Paul’s trust in God’s guidance proves vital for survival. This maritime term points to the greater truth that Jesus is the captain of our salvation, guiding His church through history toward its eternal harbor.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient ships often had decorated πρῷραι featuring protective deities or symbolic figures.
2. The πρῷρα was typically the strongest part of ancient ships, designed to withstand both waves and ramming.
3. The term influenced maritime vocabulary in several Mediterranean languages.

Strong’s G4408: A feminine noun referring to the prow or forward part of a ship. Used in maritime contexts, particularly in Acts’ account of Paul’s shipwreck. Represents both a technical nautical term and, in broader ancient literature, symbolizes direction, guidance, and leadership.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: ships, nautical terms, maritime vocabulary, Paul’s journeys, Acts, shipwreck narrative, seafaring, ancient navigation, bow, prow, Mediterranean sailing, maritime metaphors