Brief Overview of σανίς (Strong’s G4548: sanis)

Strong’s G4548: A wooden plank or board, derived from ancient Greek nautical and construction terminology. In New Testament usage, specifically appears in the context of shipwreck survival, representing both literal physical salvation and metaphorical spiritual deliverance through God’s providence.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σανίς (sanis) primarily refers to a wooden plank or board, particularly in maritime and construction contexts. In its New Testament appearance, it carries profound significance beyond its literal meaning. While it appears only once in Acts 27:44, the context of survival amid shipwreck powerfully illustrates God’s sovereign protection. The early church recognized this imagery as a picture of divine deliverance, drawing parallels to Noah’s ark and spiritual salvation. Today, σανίς reminds us how God uses ordinary means – even simple wooden planks – to accomplish His extraordinary purposes of preservation and salvation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σανίς, sanis, /san-iss/
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘san’ as in ‘sonnet’, ‘iss’ as in ‘miss’
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: From Proto-Indo-European *sken- meaning “to cut off”
• The word evolved in ancient Greek to refer specifically to cut wooden boards or planks
• Related to ancient shipbuilding terminology

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: A wooden board or plank
• Secondary meanings: Ship’s decking, wooden tablets for writing, door panels

Translation Options:

• Plank – Most precise in nautical contexts
• Board – General construction usage
• Wooden piece – When emphasizing the material composition

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ξύλον (xylon) /ksoo’-lon/ – More general term for wood or timber. See G3586
• δοκός (dokos) /dok-os’/ – Specifically refers to a beam or rafter. See G1385
• πίναξ (pinax) /pin’-aks/ – A wooden board used for writing. See G4094

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a feminine noun:

• Case: Appears in accusative, nominative, genitive, dative
• Number: Singular and plural forms
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σανίς (sanis)
• Genitive: σανίδος (sanidos)
• Dative: σανίδι (sanidi)
• Accusative: σανίδα (sanida)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines σανίς primarily as a board or plank, especially in nautical contexts. Thayer’s emphasizes its use in classical Greek for various wooden constructions. LSJ provides extensive classical references, particularly in shipbuilding contexts. Vine’s notes its singular New Testament appearance in Acts. Strong’s connects it to fundamental construction terminology. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in Koine Greek papyri for construction contracts and shipbuilding.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 27:44: “And the rest, some on boards [σανίσιν], and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.”

Additional References:
Single appearance in Acts 27:44

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σανίς, though appearing only once in Scripture, powerfully illustrates God’s providence in preservation. In Acts 27, these simple wooden planks became instruments of divine deliverance, much like Noah’s ark. This reminds us that God often works through ordinary means to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The good news shines through as we see how God provides a way of escape, pointing to the ultimate deliverance through Christ Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. In ancient shipbuilding, σανίδες were specially treated with pitch to enhance water resistance
2. The word was also used for wooden tablets where laws were inscribed in ancient Greece
3. Archaeological findings show σανίδες were crucial in ancient Mediterranean shipbuilding techniques

Strong’s G4548: A wooden plank or board, particularly in maritime contexts. From ancient Greek shipbuilding terminology, it represents both practical construction material and, in biblical usage, becomes a symbol of God’s providential care in preservation through ordinary means.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: shipwreck, preservation, divine-providence, wooden-planks, nautical-terms, acts-27, paul-journey, maritime-vocabulary, ancient-greek, construction-terminology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​