Strong’s G4627: A feminine noun referring to a small boat or skiff, typically used as a ship’s lifeboat. In the New Testament, it appears in Acts during Paul’s shipwreck narrative, describing the emergency vessel that could have provided escape for the sailors.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκάφη represents more than just a small boat – it embodies the concept of emergency provision and potential deliverance. In Acts 27, it plays a crucial role in the dramatic shipwreck narrative, where Paul’s wisdom prevents its misuse and ultimately saves lives. The word derives from the concept of something “dug out” or “hollowed,” referring to early boat construction methods. Early church writers saw in this term a metaphor for God’s provision of escape in times of crisis, while also emphasizing that true salvation comes through trusting God’s promises rather than human means.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκάφη, skaphē, SKA-fay
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκά (ska) φη (fay) – stress on first syllable
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine

Etymology:

• From σκάπτω (skaptō, “to dig”)
• Related to concept of hollowing out wood
• -η feminine ending
• Connected to shipbuilding terminology

D – Defining Meanings

• Ship’s boat
• Lifeboat
• Small craft
• Dinghy

Translation Options:

• Skiff – emphasizing its small size
• Ship’s boat – highlighting its relationship to larger vessels
• Lifeboat – focusing on its emergency function

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πλοῖον (ploion, PLOY-on) – See G4143: Larger boat or ship
• πλοιάριον (ploiarion, ploy-AR-ion) – See G4142: Small boat
• ναῦς (naus, nous) – See G3491: Ship

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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

The word follows regular first declension patterns for feminine nouns, with case endings indicating its function in sentences.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use as a ship’s tender or lifeboat. Thayer’s notes its origin from “digging out” wood. LSJ documents its use in maritime contexts. Vine’s highlights its specific appearance in Acts’ shipwreck account. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its common use in Mediterranean shipping.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 27:16: “As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make secure the [ship’s boat] [σκάφη].”

Additional References:
Acts 27:30, Acts 27:32

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκάφη reminds us that God’s deliverance often comes through unexpected means, yet requires our trust in His wisdom rather than our own plans. In Paul’s shipwreck story, the failure of this human means of escape ultimately led to God’s greater display of power and protection. This promotes the good news by showing how King Jesus provides true security through faith in His promises.

D – Did You Know?

• The word literally means “something dug out,” referring to early boat-building methods
• It appears only in Acts 27 in the New Testament
• These small boats were essential safety equipment on ancient Mediterranean ships

Strong’s G4627: A feminine noun referring to a small boat or skiff, typically used as a ship’s lifeboat. In the New Testament, it appears in Acts during Paul’s shipwreck narrative, describing the emergency vessel that could have provided escape for the sailors.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: boats, ships, nautical-terms, acts, paul, shipwreck, maritime, safety, rescue, emergency, seafaring, mediterranean​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​