from a derivative of ἄρτι; properly, something ready (or else more remotely from αἴρω (compare ἄρτος); something hung up), i.e. (specially) the topsail (rather foresail or jib) of a vessel:--mainsail.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **artémōn**, represented by `{{G736}}`, refers to a ship's **mainsail**. Derived from a word meaning "something ready" or "something hung up," it specifically denotes the foresail or jib of a vessel. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{G736}}` occurs in the dramatic narrative of the shipwreck in Acts. As the sailors desperately try to guide their vessel to land, they take several coordinated actions. After cutting away the anchors and loosing the rudder bands, they "hoised up the **mainsail** to the wind, and made toward shore" [[Acts 27:40]]. Here, the **mainsail** is a critical piece of equipment used to catch the wind and provide the necessary propulsion and steering to reach safety.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related nautical terms appear alongside `{{G736}}` in its only context, providing a fuller picture of maritime activity:
* `{{G4079}}` **pēdálion** (helm): This word for a ship's rudder appears when the sailors loosed the "rudder bands" [[Acts 27:40]]. It is also used metaphorically in [[James 3:4]] to show how a large ship is steered by a very small **helm**.
* `{{G4154}}` **pnéō** (blow): This word describes the action of the wind. The mainsail was hoisted to the wind as it **blew** [[Acts 27:40]]. It is also used to describe the winds in the parable of the house on the rock ([[Matthew 7:25]], 7:27) and the blowing of the Spirit [[John 3:8]].
* `{{G45}}` **ánkyra** (anchor): Before hoisting the mainsail, the sailors had to take up the **anchors** [[Acts 27:40]]. This same word is used metaphorically in [[Hebrews 6:19]] to describe hope.
### Theological Significance
While `{{G736}}` itself is a purely functional term, its surrounding vocabulary carries significant theological weight through metaphor.
* **Spiritual Stability:** The related term **ánkyra** `{{G45}}` is powerfully used to describe Christian hope as "an **anchor** of the soul, both sure and stedfast" [[Hebrews 6:19]], providing stability in the midst of life's storms.
* **Sovereign Power:** The wind `{{G4154}}` that drives the mainsail is often depicted as a force under divine control, seen when angels hold back the four winds [[Revelation 7:1]] or when it is used as an analogy for the unseen work of the Holy Spirit [[John 3:8]].
* **Moral Guidance:** The **helm** `{{G4079}}` is used in [[James 3:4]] as a metaphor for the power of the tongue to direct the course of one's life, highlighting the importance of small things in determining a greater destiny.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G736}}` is a precise nautical term for a ship's **mainsail**, used just once in a literal sense to detail the sailors' efforts in Acts 27. Its primary significance is not in its own definition but in its context. It functions within a cluster of maritime words, such as anchor, rudder, and wind, which Scripture frequently employs as powerful metaphors for the spiritual journey, illustrating concepts of hope, divine sovereignty, and moral direction.
TRV