feminine of (hindmost); the stern of a ship:--hinder part, stern.
Transliteration:prýmna
Pronunciation:proom'-nah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πρύμνα (prýmna, `{{G4403}}`) denotes the "stern" or "hinder part" of a ship. It is a feminine noun, derived from a root that signifies "hindmost" or "extreme rear," thereby precisely locating this section of a vessel. Its semantic range is quite narrow and specific, referring solely to the physical rear portion of a ship, as opposed to the bow or prow (πρῷρα, `{{G4245}}`). There is no evidence of this term being used metaphorically or in an abstract sense within the biblical corpus; its usage is consistently literal and descriptive within a maritime context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πρύμνα (prýmna) appears exclusively in the book of Acts, specifically in two passages describing Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome:
* **[[Acts 27:29]]**: "Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come."
* In this context, the ship is caught in a violent storm, and the crew is desperately attempting to prevent it from being driven onto treacherous rocks. Dropping anchors from the stern was a common maneuver to stabilize a ship and prevent it from drifting further, particularly when facing a lee shore. This action highlights the stern's importance for control and stability in an emergency. The detail underscores the extreme danger faced by those on board.
* **[[Acts 27:41]]**: "But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves."
* Here, after days of being tossed by the storm, the ship runs aground. The narrative explicitly contrasts the fate of the prow (front) and the stern (rear). While the prow becomes immovably lodged, the stern is exposed to the full force of the waves and begins to break apart. This vivid description emphasizes the destructive power of the sea and the physical vulnerability of the ship's rear section under such immense stress. It sets the stage for the escape of those on board, as the ship's disintegration necessitates abandoning it.
Both occurrences are integral to Luke's detailed and historically accurate account of the shipwreck, providing precise maritime terminology that lends credibility to the narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related concept to πρύμνα (prýmna) is its antonym, the "prow" or "bow" of a ship, represented by the Greek word πρῷρα (prōira, `{{G4245}}`), which is explicitly contrasted in [[Acts 27:41]]. Other related terms fall under the general category of maritime vocabulary, including:
* ναῦς (naus, `{{G3491}}`): "ship"
* πλοῖον (ploion, `{{G4143}}`): "boat," "ship"
* ἄγκυρα (ankyra, `{{G45}}`): "anchor"
* χειμών (cheimōn, `{{G5494}}`): "storm," "tempest"
* ναυάγιον (nauagion, `{{G3490}}`): "shipwreck" (though the noun form does not appear, the verb ναυαγέω (nauageō, `{{G3489}}`) "to suffer shipwreck" is used in [[2 Corinthians 11:25]])
The etymological connection of πρύμνα to the idea of "hindmost" also links it conceptually to words denoting the rear or last part, such as ὀπίσω (opisō, `{{G3694}}`, "behind") or ἔσχατος (eschatos, `{{G2078}}`, "last," "uttermost"), though these are not direct synonyms.
### Theological Significance
While πρύμνα (prýmna) itself is a purely descriptive term with no inherent theological meaning, its appearance within the narrative of Paul's shipwreck in Acts carries significant theological weight by contributing to the larger themes of divine providence and human perseverance.
The detailed account of the ship's destruction, including the breaking of the stern, serves to underscore the dire circumstances from which God delivers Paul and all those with him. This is not merely a historical record but a demonstration of God's sovereign control over natural forces and human destiny. Paul had been assured by an angel that no lives would be lost ([[Acts 27:22-24]]), and the meticulous description of the ship's demise, including the breaking of its stern, highlights the fulfillment of this divine promise despite the complete destruction of the vessel. The breaking of the stern symbolizes the utter collapse of human means of safety, yet it paradoxically leads to the miraculous preservation of life.
Thus, the mention of the stern's fate contributes to the narrative's overarching message: even in moments of extreme peril and the apparent triumph of chaotic forces, God's purposes prevail, and His servants are preserved to continue their mission. The detail grounds the miraculous in a tangible, relatable reality, emphasizing God's faithfulness even when all human hope seems lost.
### Summary
The Greek word πρύμνα (prýmna, `{{G4403}}`) precisely designates the "stern" or "hinder part" of a ship. Its two occurrences in the New Testament, both in [[Acts 27:29]] and [[Acts 27:41]], are strictly literal and descriptive, detailing critical moments during Paul's shipwreck. In the first instance, anchors are dropped from the stern to stabilize the ship; in the second, the stern is violently broken by waves after the ship runs aground. Though a concrete maritime term without intrinsic theological meaning, its use in Acts vividly illustrates the extreme peril from which God sovereignly preserved Paul and his companions. The breaking of the stern, alongside the stuck prow, underscores the complete destruction of the vessel, yet it serves as a backdrop against which God's faithfulness and providential care are powerfully demonstrated, ensuring the safe arrival of all on board.
TRV