πρῴρα

the prow of a ship

Definition

The Greek word πρῴρα specifically refers to the front section of a ship, the prow or bow. In the New Testament, it is used in its literal, nautical sense to describe the part of the ship that cuts through the water. Both occurrences are found in the narrative of Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27, where the prow is a key detail in the unfolding drama. In Acts 27:30, sailors attempt to escape the ship from the prow using the ship's boat, and in Acts 27:41, the ship runs aground with the prow stuck fast in a sandbar, sealing its fate.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the book of Acts, specifically within the detailed account of Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome in Acts 27. Its usage is purely descriptive and literal, serving to provide precise, visual details of the maritime events. The two instances highlight critical moments in the narrative: a covert escape attempt (Acts 27:30) and the final grounding of the vessel (Acts 27:41).

Etymology

The noun πρῴρα (prōra) is a native Greek word for the front or forward part of a ship. It is derived from the root seen in the adverb πρῴ (prō), meaning 'early' or 'before,' conceptually linking the front of the ship to what comes first. Its direct opposite is the word for the stern, πρύμνα (prymna, G4403).

Semantic Range

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, ships were vital for travel, trade, and military campaigns. The prow was a structurally and symbolically important part of the vessel, often decorated with eyes or a figurehead. Understanding this term helps modern readers visualize the precise mechanics of the shipwreck in Acts 27, appreciating the sailors' actions and the perilous nature of sea travel in the 1st century, which underscores the miraculous nature of the survival of all 276 people on board.

πρύμνα (prymna, G4403) — the stern or aft part of a ship, the direct opposite of the prow.

Word Details

Scripture References