The Greek word skeuḗ, represented by G4631, refers to the tackling or spare furniture of a vessel. Based on its root, it denotes equipment or gear. The word is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The sole use of G4631 occurs in the midst of a perilous sea voyage. In the narrative of Acts, the ship carrying Paul is caught in a violent storm. To lighten the vessel and increase their chances of survival, the crew takes a desperate measure on the third day of the storm: they "cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship" Acts 27:19. The term here specifically means the spare gear or apparatus of the ship, which was deemed expendable in the crisis.
Several related words from its only context help define the situation surrounding G4631:
- G4496 rhíptō (to fling; cast out): This is the action performed upon the tackling. It signifies a quick, forceful toss, as seen when the crew desperately cast out the ship's gear Acts 27:19 or when people were "scattered abroad" like sheep without a shepherd Matthew 9:36.
- G4143 ploîon (vessel; ship): This is the object to which the tackling belongs. The ship is the setting for this event and is frequently a place of significant action, from Jesus calming a storm Matthew 8:24 to the disciples worshipping him on board Matthew 14:33.
- G849 autócheir (with own hands): This word emphasizes the personal and direct involvement of the crew in jettisoning the gear, stating they cast it out with our own hands Acts 27:19.
- G5154 trítos (third): This ordinal number marks the progression of the crisis, indicating that the casting out of the tackling happened on the third day of the storm Acts 27:19. The word is often used to mark significant timing, such as Christ rising on the third day 1 Corinthians 15:4.
While G4631 itself is a functional term, its singular context imbues it with thematic weight.
- Sacrifice for Survival: The act of casting out the tackling is a deliberate sacrifice of valuable material goods to preserve human life. This reflects a broader biblical principle where the physical is relinquished for something more important, as when Paul later states that all life would be saved but the ship would be lost Acts 27:22.
- Human Action in Crisis: The use of G849 ("with our own hands") highlights the role of human effort in the midst of a divinely overseen event. Though their ultimate salvation is assured, the crew must still take practical, difficult actions Acts 27:31.
- The Nature of Possessions: The tackling represents necessary equipment that becomes a burdensome liability in a storm. This illustrates the transient and situational value of worldly goods, which must be cast away when they hinder survival.
In summary, G4631 is a highly specific term for a ship's tackling. Its importance comes not from frequent use but from its singular, dramatic appearance in Scripture. Occurring in the narrative of the storm in Acts 27:19, it functions as a key object in a scene of desperation and sacrifice. The act of casting it out highlights themes of prioritizing life over possessions and the role of human action within a life-threatening trial at sea.
TRV