παράσημος

marked with

Definition

The adjective παράσημος (parasēmos) literally means 'marked with' or 'bearing a sign.' In its only New Testament occurrence in Acts 28:11, it describes the ship on which Paul sailed from Malta to Italy as having the 'twin brothers' as its figurehead. This refers to a carved emblem or insignia on the ship's prow, identifying it. The term can broadly denote anything that is conspicuously marked or distinguished by a specific symbol.

Biblical Usage

παράσημος is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 28:11. It is used in a nautical context to describe the identifying emblem or figurehead of the Alexandrian ship that carried Paul. The usage is purely descriptive, providing a specific detail about the vessel's appearance without deeper narrative symbolism.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition παρά (para), meaning 'beside' or 'alongside,' combined with the root σῆμα (sēma), meaning 'sign' or 'mark.' Thus, it literally means 'having a sign beside it' or 'marked alongside,' which evolved to describe something bearing a distinguishing emblem, like a ship's figurehead.

Semantic Range

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, ships often bore figureheads (parasēmoi) depicting gods, heroes, or symbols believed to offer protection, indicate origin, or show allegiance. The 'twin brothers' (Dioscuri—Castor and Pollux) mentioned in Acts 28:11 were patron gods of sailors. This detail culturally anchors the narrative in historical maritime practice, showing Luke's attention to factual detail.

σύσσημον (syssēmon, G4953) — a sign or signal agreed upon; a concerted mark (used in military/secret contexts).

Word Details

Scripture References