### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ekbolḗ**, represented by `{{G1546}}`, is a specific term for **ejection**, particularly the throwing overboard of a ship's cargo. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The word's origin from ἐκβάλλω points to a forceful casting out, and in its biblical context, it is used to mean the lightening of a ship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G1546}}` is used to capture a moment of extreme crisis at sea. The narrative in Acts describes a ship's crew being "exceedingly tossed with a tempest," which compels them on the next day to take the drastic measure of jettisoning the cargo to **lighten the ship** [[Acts 27:18]]. This single use anchors the word's meaning to an act of desperation for the sake of survival.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context help build a picture of the scene:
* `{{G5492}}` **cheimázō** (to be tossed with tempest): This verb establishes the dire circumstances that necessitate the action of `{{G1546}}`. The crew acts because they are being "tossed with tempest" [[Acts 27:18]].
* `{{G4971}}` **sphodrōs** (exceedingly): This adverb modifies the tempest, underscoring the extreme nature of the storm and the desperation behind throwing the cargo overboard [[Acts 27:18]].
* `{{G4160}}` **poiéō** (to make or do): This common verb for action is paired with `{{G1546}}` to form the phrase "they lightened the ship," literally "to make an ejection." This highlights that jettisoning the cargo was a deliberate act performed by the crew [[Acts 27:18]].
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{G1546}}` illustrates a powerful practical and spiritual principle.
* **Sacrifice for Preservation:** The act of throwing cargo overboard highlights the theme of sacrificing the material to preserve the essential. In the face of a life-threatening storm, valuable goods become secondary to the preservation of human life [[Acts 27:18]].
* **The Weight of Burdens:** The cargo represents a physical weight that endangers the ship. Metaphorically, this can be seen as the burdens, possessions, or worldly attachments that must be cast off during spiritual tempests to avoid being overcome.
* **Decisive Action in Crisis:** The crew’s action was a deliberate and necessary response to their peril. This demonstrates the principle of taking decisive, even costly, action when confronted with overwhelming trials, rather than passively awaiting the outcome.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1546}}` provides a vivid and specific term for jettisoning cargo. While it appears only once, its context in [[Acts 27:18]] is memorable, capturing a moment of human desperation in a violent storm. It serves as a powerful illustration of the principle of sacrificing material possessions and burdens when faced with an existential threat, emphasizing decisive action for the sake of preservation.
TRV