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G4950 (σύρτις)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4950
Original Word: σύρτις
Transliteration: sýrtis
Pronunciation: soor'-tis
Part of Speech: noun
Category: Bible Places & Spaces, Warnings in Love
Root / Etymology: from G4951 (σύρω);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 1210

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 a shoal (from the sand drawn thither by the waves), i.e. the Syrtis Major or great bay on the north coast of Africa

quicksands

from G4951 (σύρω);

Commentary

Contributors:

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.

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:

"Syrtis" - Standard geographical term
"Quicksands" - Traditional translation emphasizing danger
"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:

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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

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	"Ships venturing near the [Σύρτις] Syrtis rarely escaped its deadly pull."
Strabo: Geography	"The [Σύρτις] Syrtis presents the greatest danger to Mediterranean navigation."
Polybius: Histories	"Many vessels were lost in the treacherous [Σύρτις] sandbanks."

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?

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

Part of speech: Proper Noun

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

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