### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **naútēs**, represented by `{{G3492}}`, refers to a **boatman** or **seaman**. Derived from the word for ship (ναῦς), it is a specific term for a professional **sailor** or **shipman**. It appears only **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, making its usage rare but precise within the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3492}}` is used to identify the professional crew of a vessel. In Acts, during a violent storm, the **shipmen** `{{G3492}}` first use their maritime experience to sense that they are nearing land [[Acts 27:27]]. Shortly after, these same **shipmen** attempt to abandon the vessel in fear, lowering a boat under the false pretense of setting anchors from the foreship [[Acts 27:30]]. In Revelation, **sailors** `{{G3492}}` are listed among shipmasters and merchants who witness the sudden destruction of Babylon and stand "afar off" [[Revelation 18:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help define the maritime context of `{{G3492}}`:
* `{{G2942}}` **kybernḗtēs** (helmsman, i.e. (by implication) captain): This term denotes the **shipmaster** or captain, the authority figure on the vessel who works with the sailors [[Revelation 18:17]].
* `{{G4143}}` **ploîon** (a sailer, i.e. vessel): This is the general term for a **ship**, the workplace of the sailors. The shipmen in Acts were trying to flee from their **ship** [[Acts 27:30]].
* `{{G2281}}` **thálassa** (the sea): This word refers to the **sea**, the domain of the sailor and a powerful force in biblical narratives. The sailors attempted to lower a boat into the **sea** to escape [[Acts 27:30]].
* `{{G2038}}` **ergázomai** (to toil... work): This describes the labor of those who **trade** by sea, a category that includes the sailors mentioned in Revelation's vision [[Revelation 18:17]].
### Theological Significance
While not a central theological term, the role of the **naútēs** `{{G3492}}` carries symbolic weight in its contexts.
* **Participants in Worldly Commerce:** In Revelation, the **sailor** is part of a list of maritime workers whose livelihoods are tied to the great commercial city of Babylon. Their presence underscores the global scale of the economic system being judged by God [[Revelation 18:17]].
* **Human Skill and Fear:** In the storm narrative of Acts, the **shipmen** represent both the limits of human expertise and the reality of human fear. Their initial assessment of approaching land shows their skill, but their subsequent attempt to flee shows their desperation, setting the stage for Paul's divine assurance that salvation depends on remaining with the ship ([[Acts 27:30]], [[Acts 27:31]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3492}}` **naútēs** is a specific term for a **sailor** or **shipman**. Though used only three times, it effectively portrays the professional mariners of the era. Its appearances in Scripture place sailors in moments of high drama, whether as skilled crewmen facing a deadly storm in Acts or as distant observers watching the fulfillment of divine judgment in Revelation. The word contributes to narratives that explore themes of human fallibility, divine providence, and the ultimate judgment of worldly systems.
TRV