Brief Overview of πρύμνα (Strong’s G4403: prymna)
Strong’s G4403: A feminine noun meaning stern or rear part of a ship. Used in maritime contexts, particularly in significant Gospel and Acts narratives, where its specific mention often carries theological significance about divine presence and protection during storms and journeys.
U- Unveiling the Word
Πρύμνα represents the stern or rear section of a ship, a technical nautical term that gained theological significance in New Testament narratives. In Gospel accounts, it appears notably in Mark’s storm narrative where Jesus sleeps in the stern, symbolizing both His humanity and divine control. The early church understood these stern references as symbolizing Christ’s presence amid life’s storms. Today, it continues to remind us of Christ’s presence and authority in our spiritual journeys.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πρύμνα, prymna, /PRIM-na/
- Detailed pronunciation: prim (as in ‘prime’) + na (as in ‘nah’)
- Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
Etymology:
Simple root word from ancient Greek maritime terminology
Not a compound word
Related to Indo-European root meaning “back” or “end”
D – Defining Meanings
- Stern of a ship
- Rear deck
- Back part of vessel
For compound words:
Not a compound word
Translation Options:
- “Stern” – Best technical translation
- “Ship’s rear” – More descriptive option
- “Back of boat” – Colloquial equivalent
E – Exploring Similar Words
- πλοῖον (ploion, /PLOY-on/) – Ship, vessel
See G4143 - ναῦς (naus, /NAUS/) – Ship
See G3491 - σκάφη (skaphē, /SKA-fē/) – Small boat
See G4627
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a feminine noun, πρύμνα exhibits these morphological features:
- Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Gender: Feminine
- Declension: First
Example forms:
- Nominative singular: πρύμνα
- Genitive singular: πρύμνης
- Dative singular: πρύμνῃ
- Accusative singular: πρύμναν
Related words in other parts of speech:
None directly derived
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its technical maritime usage. Thayer’s notes its specific location references. LSJ provides examples from maritime literature. Vine’s highlights its Gospel narrative significance. Strong’s emphasizes its literal meaning. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from shipping documents.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First Appearance:
“But he was in the [πρύμνα] stern, asleep on the cushion.” Mark 4:38
Additional References:
Acts 27:29
Acts 27:41
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Homer: Odyssey | “Standing at the [πρύμνα] stern, he steered the vessel.” |
| Herodotus: Histories | “The enemy ships attacked from the [πρύμνα] stern.” |
| Thucydides: History | “They cast anchors from the [πρύμνα] stern by night.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Πρύμνα reminds us that Jesus is present even in life’s storms, often in unexpected places. The good news of King Jesus includes His sovereign control over all circumstances, even when He appears to be sleeping in the stern.
D – Did You Know?
- Ancient ships often had decorative stern carvings of deities
- The stern was typically where the ship’s commander stayed
- Early Christian art often depicted Jesus in the stern of boats
Strong’s G4403: A feminine noun meaning stern or rear part of a ship. Used in maritime contexts, particularly in significant Gospel and Acts narratives, where its specific mention often carries theological significance about divine presence and protection during storms and journeys.
Part of speech: Noun
Tags: nautical, stern, ship, maritime, navigation, storms, divine presence, protection, journey, vessel
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
