### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **naúklēros**, represented by `{{G3490}}`, refers specifically to the **owner of a ship**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Derived from words for "ship" and "clerk," its meaning is precise, designating the proprietor of a vessel, who may be distinct from the one actively sailing it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G3490}}` occurs in the narrative of Paul's perilous voyage to Rome. In a critical moment of decision, the Roman centurion in charge of the prisoners chose to trust the maritime professionals over the apostle's divine warning. The verse states that the centurion "believed the master and the **owner of the ship**" more than the words spoken by Paul [[Acts 27:11]]. Here, the term identifies the individual with financial and ultimate authority over the vessel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role of the ship owner in this passage:
* `{{G2942}}` **kybernḗtēs** (master): This word, defined as "helmsman, i.e. (by implication) captain," refers to the ship's operator. The centurion listened to both the **master** and the owner, highlighting the two key maritime authorities [[Acts 27:11]].
* `{{G1543}}` **hekatontárchēs** (centurion): As "the captain of one hundred men," this military officer was the ultimate decision-maker for the voyage. His trust in the ship's owner and master set the course for the events that followed [[Acts 27:11]].
* `{{G1161}}` **dé** (but, and): This particle is used in the verse to create a contrast, showing that *in opposition* to Paul's counsel, the centurion believed the ship's owner instead.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3490}}` is tied directly to its role in this pivotal moment of choice.
* **Worldly vs. Divine Wisdom:** The centurion's decision to trust the **owner of the ship** `{{G3490}}` and the master over Paul demonstrates a classic conflict between human expertise and divine revelation.
* **Authority and Influence:** The term distinguishes the ship's owner as a person of significant influence. His professional opinion, alongside the master's, was deemed more credible than a prisoner's prophetic warning, illustrating the weight given to secular authority and experience.
* **Human Agency:** The presence of the **owner of the ship** in the account underscores the human decisions that led the voyage into danger, highlighting a moment where practical, earthly counsel was followed with significant consequences.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G3490}}` is an exceptionally rare word in scripture, its single appearance is impactful. As **owner of a ship**, the term provides crucial detail in the account of Paul's journey to Rome. It clarifies the structure of authority on the vessel and serves to emphasize a critical decision where human judgment was elevated above a warning from God, making it a small but significant word in the biblical narrative.
TRV