The Greek word hypotréchō, represented by G5295, describes the action of running under or sailing past. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. This term is derived from two words meaning "under" and "to run," and in its sole scriptural use, it carries a specialized nautical meaning of sailing under the lee (sheltered side) of an island.
The single use of G5295 occurs within the detailed account of Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome. During a violent storm, the crew performs a maneuver described as "running under a certain island" Acts 27:16. This action was a desperate attempt to gain some protection from the wind to manage their vessel, specifically as they struggled to secure the ship's boat near the island called Clauda G2802.
Several related words from its only context help illuminate the scene:
- G2802 Klaúdē (Claude, an island near Crete): This is the proper name of the specific island that the ship sailed under, providing a geographical anchor for the event Acts 27:16.
- G3519 nēsíon (an islet): This word clarifies that Clauda was a small island, emphasizing the nature of the limited shelter the crew was seeking Acts 27:16.
- G2480 ischýō (to have (or exercise) force): This word is used to describe the immense effort required in the situation, as the text states "we had much work to come by the boat" Acts 27:16. It signifies the physical strength and force the crew had to exercise.
- G3433 mólis (with difficulty): This adverb highlights the extreme difficulty of the situation, appearing in the verse as "much work" and in other contexts as "scarcely" 1 Peter 4:18, underscoring the crew's struggle for survival.
While G5295 is a descriptive, non-theological term, its context points to broader biblical themes of struggle and strength.
- A Picture of Seeking Refuge: The literal act of running under an island for shelter from a storm serves as a physical illustration of seeking refuge in a time of overwhelming trial Acts 27:16.
- Strength in Crisis: The verse pairs the action with the word G2480 ischýō, signifying the exertion of force. This same term is used elsewhere to denote the spiritual strength believers possess, such as when Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4:13 or when describing how the prayer of a righteous person "availeth much" James 5:16.
In summary, G5295 is a rare and specific word that provides a vivid detail in a biblical narrative. While its direct meaning is purely nautical, its sole appearance in a moment of crisis highlights a scene of human struggle for survival. The language surrounding this act connects the physical effort to find shelter with the broader scriptural concept of finding strength through great difficulty.
TRV