### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ὀργυιά (orguiá - `{{G3712}}`) is derived from the verb ὀρέγομαι (oregomaí - `{{G3715}}`), which means "to stretch out" or "to reach for." This etymological connection directly informs its primary meaning: "a stretch of the arms." This physical span, from fingertip to fingertip of a person with outstretched arms, became a standardized unit of measurement. In ancient maritime contexts, ὀργυιά specifically referred to a "fathom," a unit of depth traditionally equivalent to six feet (approximately 1.83 meters). While its core meaning is a precise physical measurement, its limited biblical usage imbues it with significant contextual implications rather than a broad metaphorical range.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὀργυιά (orguiá - `{{G3712}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically within the detailed narrative of Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome:
* [[Acts 27:28]]: "And when they had sounded, they found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms."
In this passage, the ship's crew is taking soundings, a critical navigational practice to determine the depth of the water beneath the hull. The decreasing depth readings—from twenty fathoms (approximately 120 feet or 36.6 meters) to fifteen fathoms (approximately 90 feet or 27.4 meters)—are not mere descriptive details. They signal an imminent and escalating danger: the ship is rapidly approaching shallow waters, a severe threat for a large vessel caught in a storm. This precise measurement heightens the narrative tension, underscoring the crew's desperate efforts to avoid running aground. The inclusion of such specific maritime terminology by Luke lends historical verisimilitude to his account, demonstrating a keen awareness of the practicalities and dangers of ancient seafaring.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The direct linguistic ancestor of ὀργυιά is ὀρέγομαι (oregomaí - `{{G3715}}`), emphasizing the action of "stretching out." While ὀρέγομαι can also connote a strong desire or longing, its physical sense of extension is the direct link to the measurement of a fathom.
* **Units of Measurement:** ὀργυιά stands as one of several specific units of measurement found in the biblical text, reflecting the practical needs of ancient societies. Other examples include:
* **Length:** πηχυς (pêchys - `{{G4083}}`, "cubit") and σταδιον (stadion - `{{G4712}}`, "stadia").
* **Weight:** ταλαντον (talanton - `{{G5007}}`, "talent").
* **Capacity:** μνα (mna - `{{G3414}}`, "mina").
* **Maritime Terminology:** The use of "fathom" integrates ὀργυιά into the broader vocabulary of ancient navigation and shipbuilding. It highlights the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for sea travel, a context that frequently appears in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts.
### Theological Significance
While ὀργυιά (orguiá - `{{G3712}}`) is a technical term for a physical measurement, its singular appearance in the biblical narrative carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Vulnerability:** The precise measurement of depth in [[Acts 27:28]] starkly illustrates the extreme vulnerability of human beings in the face of natural forces. The crew's frantic soundings represent their reliance on practical skill and human effort. Yet, this scene unfolds within a larger narrative where God's sovereign hand is actively preserving Paul and his companions. The declining fathoms serve as a dramatic indicator of their precarious situation, implicitly underscoring the ultimate need for divine intervention and protection.
* **Realism and Credibility of Scripture:** The inclusion of such specific, verifiable details like "twenty fathoms" and "fifteen fathoms" contributes significantly to the historical realism and credibility of Luke's account. It demonstrates that the biblical narratives are not abstract theological treatises but are deeply grounded in the concrete realities and challenges of human experience. This meticulous attention to detail enhances the trustworthiness of the miraculous and providential elements of the story.
* **God's Presence in Everyday Realities:** The fact that a seemingly mundane measurement is preserved in Scripture highlights that God's providence extends to every detail of life, including the practicalities of navigation and survival. Even in the midst of a storm and human desperation, the physical world operates according to God's ordained principles, and He works through these realities to achieve His purposes.
### Summary
The Greek word ὀργυιά (orguiá - `{{G3712}}`), derived from ὀρέγομαι (oregomaí - `{{G3715}}`), signifies a "fathom," a unit of depth equivalent to the span of outstretched arms. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 27:28]] is crucial, depicting the critical soundings taken during Paul's perilous sea journey. The decreasing depth from "twenty fathoms" to "fifteen fathoms" vividly portrays the imminent danger of running aground, intensifying the narrative tension. Theologically, this precise detail underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over the physical world, highlights human vulnerability in the face of natural elements, and emphasizes the divine providence that guides and preserves His servants. Furthermore, the inclusion of such specific, technical details contributes to the historical realism and credibility of the biblical narrative, grounding it in the tangible realities of human experience.
TRV