### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G4631}}` (σκευή, *skeuḗ*) is a noun derived from `{{G4632}}` (σκεῦος, *skeuos*), which broadly signifies a "vessel," "instrument," "implement," or "equipment." While `{{G4632}}` possesses a wide semantic range encompassing household items, tools, or even individuals (as "vessels" for honor or dishonor), `{{G4631}}` narrows this scope significantly. Its core meaning, as provided, is "furniture," specifically in the sense of "spare tackle" or "ship's gear." This definition points to a specialized application, almost exclusively within a nautical context, referring to the various ropes, planks, or other apparatus necessary for the operation or maintenance of a ship, particularly in times of distress. It denotes the essential equipment used to secure or repair a vessel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G4631}}` appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 27:17]]**: "and when they had taken it on board, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the **tackling**, and so were driven."
* In this sole occurrence, `{{G4631}}` (translated as "tackling") refers to the ship's gear or equipment that the mariners lowered. The context is the perilous journey of Paul and his companions during a violent storm. The phrase "lowered the tackling" (χαλάσαντες τὴν σκευὴν) implies an action taken to reduce the ship's exposure to the wind and waves, possibly by striking the mast or lowering the sails and rigging that were not essential for merely being "driven" by the storm. This was a desperate measure to prevent the ship from being overwhelmed or capsizing. The preceding action of "undergirding the ship" (βοηθείαις ἐχρῶντο, ὑποζωννύντες τὸ πλοῖον) involved passing cables or ropes under the hull and tightening them to prevent the ship's timbers from coming apart under the strain of the storm. Both actions highlight the extreme measures taken by experienced sailors to preserve their vessel in the face of overwhelming natural forces. The term here specifically denotes the practical, functional equipment essential for maritime survival.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{G4631}}` is its root, `{{G4632}}` (σκεῦος, *skeuos*). While `{{G4631}}` focuses on "tackling" or "ship's gear," `{{G4632}}` has a much broader semantic field:
* **`{{G4632}}` (σκεῦος)**: This word can refer to any kind of vessel (e.g., a pot, jar, or cup), an instrument or tool, an item of furniture, or even goods/possessions. Metaphorically, it is used to describe a person as a "vessel" (e.g., a "vessel of wrath" or "vessel of mercy" in [[Romans 9:22-23]]; Paul as a "chosen vessel" in [[Acts 9:15]]). The specificity of `{{G4631}}` to nautical equipment demonstrates a specialized application derived from the more general concept of "equipment" found in `{{G4632}}`.
* Other related nautical terms in the broader context of Acts 27 include:
* πλοῖον (*ploion*): ship, boat
* ναῦς (*naus*): ship
* ἄγκυρα (*ankyra*): anchor
* κυβερνήτης (*kybernētēs*): pilot, helmsman
* ναῦται (*nautai*): sailors
* χειμών (*cheimōn*): storm, winter
These terms collectively paint a vivid picture of the maritime environment in which `{{G4631}}` finds its solitary, yet significant, usage.
### Theological Significance
While `{{G4631}}` is a highly technical term with only one biblical occurrence, its presence in the narrative of Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27 carries subtle theological implications:
1. **Divine Providence amidst Human Effort**: The detailed description of the mariners' actions, including their use of the "tackling" to secure the ship, underscores human ingenuity and effort in the face of crisis. Yet, these human efforts, though necessary and prudent, ultimately proved insufficient to save the ship from destruction, highlighting the supremacy of God's sovereign plan. Paul's assurance of survival, based on divine revelation, contrasts sharply with the desperate measures of the sailors. God's plan for Paul's journey to Rome would be fulfilled, not thwarted by the storm, demonstrating that even in the midst of extreme peril, God's purposes prevail.
2. **Verisimilitude and Reliability of Scripture**: Luke's meticulous use of precise nautical terminology, such as `{{G4631}}`, lends an air of historical accuracy and authenticity to the narrative. This attention to detail reinforces the reliability of the biblical account, suggesting a careful and informed eyewitness or researcher. For the reader, this precision builds confidence in the historical veracity of the New Testament.
3. **The Journey of Faith**: The perilous voyage can be seen as an allegory for the Christian life. Believers, like the mariners, must employ wisdom and utilize available "tackling" (resources, prudence, effort) in navigating the storms of life. However, ultimate safety and arrival at the divine destination depend not on human strength or equipment alone, but on God's sustaining grace and unwavering promises.
### Summary
`{{G4631}}` (σκευή, *skeuḗ*) is a specialized Greek term derived from `{{G4632}}` (σκεῦος), meaning "furniture" or, more specifically in its biblical context, "spare tackle" or "ship's gear." Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Acts 27:17]], where it describes the equipment lowered by mariners attempting to save their ship during a violent storm. This precise usage underscores Luke's historical accuracy and contributes to the vivid depiction of Paul's perilous journey. Theologically, the term highlights the tension between human effort and divine providence, demonstrating that while human wisdom and resources are employed, God's sovereign plan ultimately dictates the outcome. It also serves as a testament to the meticulous detail and historical reliability embedded within the biblical narrative.
TRV