Brief Overview of σκευή (Strong’s G4631: skeuē)

Strong’s G4631: A feminine noun meaning ship’s gear or tackle, specifically referring to the equipment and apparatus necessary for sailing. Used in Acts during Paul’s shipwreck narrative, representing the desperate measures taken to save the ship during the storm.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκευή represents the essential equipment needed for maritime operation, appearing in Acts’ dramatic shipwreck narrative. Its use describes the desperate measures taken by the crew to survive, throwing overboard valuable but non-essential equipment. Early church writers saw in this word a metaphor for discarding worldly encumbrances for spiritual survival. The word carries deeper significance about prioritizing what truly matters in times of crisis and the wisdom of letting go of non-essentials for the sake of salvation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκευή, skeuē, skeu-AY
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκευ (skeu) ή (ay) – stress on second syllable
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine

Etymology:

• From σκεῦος (vessel, implement)
• Related to Indo-European root *skeu- (to cover, conceal)
• -η feminine ending
• Nautical technical term

D – Defining Meanings

• Ship’s tackle
• Nautical equipment
• Maritime gear
• Vessel’s apparatus

Translation Options:

• Ship’s tackle – emphasizing nautical equipment
• Gear – broader maritime context
• Equipment – general translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σκεῦος (skeuos, SKEU-os) – See G4632: Vessel or implement
• ὅπλον (hoplon, HOP-lon) – See G3696: Tool or implement
• σκήνωμα (skēnōma, skay-NO-ma) – See G4638: Equipment or furnishing

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular and Plural (σκευαί)
• 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 specific nautical context. Thayer’s notes its technical usage in maritime settings. LSJ documents extensive use in classical maritime literature. Vine’s highlights its single New Testament appearance. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in shipping documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 27:19: “On the third day, they threw the ship’s [tackle] [σκευή] overboard with their own hands.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκευή reminds us that sometimes we must let go of what seems valuable to preserve what’s truly essential. In Paul’s shipwreck narrative, it illustrates how the good news of King Jesus often requires us to release worldly security for spiritual salvation, trusting God’s providence over material provisions.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in numerous ancient shipping manifests and contracts
• It could refer to both fixed and movable ship equipment
• The throwing overboard of σκευή was a last-resort measure in ancient navigation

Strong’s G4631: A feminine noun meaning ship’s gear or tackle, specifically referring to the equipment and apparatus necessary for sailing. Used in Acts during Paul’s shipwreck narrative, representing the desperate measures taken to save the ship during the storm.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: ships, nautical-terms, acts, paul, shipwreck, maritime, equipment, survival, sacrifice, journey, storms, navigation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​