What does 'undergirding' mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, 'undergirding' refers to the nautical practice of passing ropes or cables around a ship's hull to strengthen it and prevent it from breaking apart in a storm. It is a literal term for emergency ship repair. This is described in Acts 27:17 when sailors used helps to undergird the ship during Paul's voyage to Rome.

Where is undergirding mentioned in the Bible?

Undergirding is specifically mentioned in Acts 27:17 (KJV). During a severe storm, the sailors 'used helps, undergirding the ship' to keep it from being destroyed by the waves. This is the only direct biblical reference to this specific maritime procedure.

Why is the concept of undergirding significant for Christians?

Undergirding serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual strengthening and support. Just as cables were used to hold the ship together, Christians are called to support one another (Galatians 6:2) and rely on God's strength to endure life's trials, preventing spiritual shipwreck.

EncyclopediaUndergirding

TheologyU

Undergirding

Undergirding un-der-gurd'-ing. ⇒See the definition of undergird in the KJV Dictionary See SHIPS AND BOATS,III , 2. ⇒See also the McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia.

Explore “Undergirding” in Scripture

Search for this term across Bible translations in the Biblexika reader.

Open Bible Reader Back to Encyclopedia

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources