of obscure affinity; to prop, i.e. (reflexively) get fast:--stick fast.
Transliteration:ereídō
Pronunciation:er-i'-do
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma ἐρείδω (ereídō, `{{G2043}}`) fundamentally conveys the action of "to prop" or "to support." In its more common reflexive sense, as indicated by its base definition, it signifies something "getting fast," "sticking fast," or "becoming firmly lodged." This implies a state of stability, immobility, or being fixed in place, often with a physical connotation. The "obscure affinity" noted in its etymology suggests its meaning is primarily derived from its usage rather than clear linguistic connections to other roots.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐρείδω is remarkably rare in the New Testament, appearing only once. Its singular occurrence is found in the detailed account of Paul's shipwreck:
* [[Acts 27:41]]: "But lighting upon a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmovable, but the hinder part was broken by the violence of the waves."
In this context, ἐρείδω describes the ship's bow becoming immovably "stuck fast" (ἐρείδω) in the sand, reef, or seabed. This physical immobility of the forepart is crucial to the narrative, as it contrasts with the violent breaking apart of the ship's hinder part by the waves. The word emphasizes the absolute and unyielding fixation of the ship, which directly leads to its destruction but, paradoxically, facilitates the escape of all persons on board, fulfilling Paul's earlier prophecy of their survival. The use of ἐρείδω here is purely descriptive, highlighting a critical physical detail of the shipwreck.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its singular occurrence, direct lexical parallels for ἐρείδω in the New Testament are scarce. However, conceptual links can be drawn to words and ideas related to stability, firmness, and immobility:
* Words denoting a *foundation* or *base*, such as θεμέλιος (themelios, `{{G2310}}`), convey a sense of being firmly established.
* Verbs signifying *standing firm* or *being steadfast*, such as various forms of ἵστημι (histēmi, `{{G2476}}`), share a conceptual overlap with the state of being fixed that ἐρείδω describes, though the means of achieving that state differ (e.g., a ship being stuck vs. a person standing firm in faith).
* The adjective ἀσάλευτος (asaleutos, `{{G761}}`), meaning "unmovable" (as seen in [[1 Corinthians 15:58]]), directly relates to the state of being fixed that ἐρείδω causes. Similarly, ἑδραῖος (hedraios, `{{G1476}}`), meaning "steadfast" or "firm," carries a similar semantic weight in other contexts. While these words are not synonyms, they inhabit the same semantic field of stability and immobility.
### Theological Significance
Although ἐρείδω is used in a literal, physical sense in its sole biblical occurrence, its underlying meaning of being "stuck fast" or "immovable" can invite broader theological reflection on God's providence and the steadfastness of faith.
In the Acts narrative, the ship's being "stuck fast" is not an arbitrary event but a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's plan for Paul and those with him. The ship's immobility, while leading to its demise, directly enables the miraculous escape of all lives, confirming the divine assurance given to Paul ([[Acts 27:22-26]]). Thus, even a seemingly mundane physical detail described by ἐρείδω serves the larger purpose of divine providence.
Metaphorically, while different Greek terms are typically employed, the concept of being "stuck fast" or "rooted" in Christ ([[Colossians 2:7]]) or being "steadfast" and "unmovable" in faith ([[1 Corinthians 15:58]]) resonates with the unyielding, fixed state implied by ἐρείδω. The physical image of the unmoving ship can serve as a powerful reminder of the call for believers to be firmly grounded in their spiritual commitments, even amidst the turbulent "waves" of life. The word, though rare, underscores the concrete reality of the biblical narrative and the precision with which divine intervention can manifest in the physical world.
### Summary
The Greek lemma ἐρείδω (ereídō, `{{G2043}}`) signifies "to prop" or, reflexively, "to stick fast" or "become firmly lodged." Its single New Testament appearance in [[Acts 27:41]] vividly describes the forepart of Paul's shipwrecked vessel becoming immovably "stuck fast" in the seabed. This physical immobility, while causing the ship's destruction, was providentially instrumental in allowing all lives on board to be saved, fulfilling divine prophecy. While primarily a descriptive term for a physical event, the concept of being "stuck fast" or "firmly fixed" resonates with broader biblical themes of steadfastness and being rooted in faith, even if other Greek terms more commonly convey those spiritual metaphors. The word thus highlights the tangible reality of the events in Acts and the intricate way God's providence operates even amidst desperate circumstances.
TRV