Divine Protection: Σύρτις (Strong’s G4950: Syrtis) Shows God’s Sovereign Care

Strong’s G4950: A proper noun referring to the Syrtis, dangerous sandbars off North Africa’s coast. Used in Acts during Paul’s stormy voyage, symbolizing deadly maritime hazards from which God delivers His messenger.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σύρτις represents both physical and spiritual danger in maritime contexts. It specifically refers to two treacherous sandbanks off North Africa’s coast, feared by ancient sailors for their shifting nature and deadly currents. In Acts, it appears during Paul’s perilous journey to Rome, where the crew feared being driven into these hazardous waters. The early church saw this word as symbolic of life’s dangers and God’s faithful deliverance. Today, it reminds us that the Lord guides His people through life’s threatening circumstances.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σύρτις, Syrtis, SIR-tis
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘sir’ as in ‘sir’, ’tis’ as in ‘this’
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• From σύρω (syrō) meaning “to draw” or “drag”
• -ις (-is) nominal suffix
• Root suggests dragging or pulling action
• Name reflects how ships were drawn into dangerous shallows

D – Defining Meanings

• Syrtis sandbanks
• Dangerous North African bays
• Treacherous maritime region
• Quicksand-like sea hazard
• Ship-destroying shallows

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derived from the action of being drawn or dragged

Translation Options:

1. “Syrtis” – Standard geographical term
2. “Quicksands” – Traditional translation emphasizing danger
3. “Sandbanks” – Descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τέναγος (tenagos, TEN-a-gos) – shoal, shallow – See G5148
• ἄβυσσος (abyssos, ah-BOOS-sos) – deep, abyss – See G12
• χάρυβδις (charybdis, kha-RIB-dis) – whirlpool – See G5532

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun, Σύρτις exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural (refers to two banks)
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: Σύρτις
• Genitive: Σύρτεως
• Dative: Σύρτει
• Accusative: Σύρτιν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes Σύρτις’s reputation for maritime danger. Thayer’s notes its location and hazardous nature. LSJ documents extensive classical references to shipwrecks. Vine’s connects it to divine protection. Strong’s highlights its etymology from dragging. LEH traces similar maritime hazard descriptions. Moulton and Milligan find it common in shipping documents warning of dangers.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the [Σύρτις] quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. Acts 27:17

Additional References:
None – This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σύρτις powerfully illustrates how God guides His people through life’s greatest dangers. In Paul’s journey, the crew’s fear of these deadly sandbanks highlights the real perils faced, yet demonstrates how the Messiah’s purposes prevail even through threatening circumstances.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient mariners considered the Syrtis among the Mediterranean’s deadliest hazards
2. The region gave rise to many ancient maritime myths and legends
3. Early church writers used it as a metaphor for spiritual dangers

Strong’s G4950: A proper noun referring to the Syrtis, dangerous sandbars off North Africa’s coast. Used in Acts during Paul’s stormy voyage, symbolizing deadly maritime hazards from which God delivers His messenger.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Syrtis, shipwreck, Paul, divine protection, maritime, danger, Acts, journey, deliverance, providence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​