### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **autócheir**, represented by `{{G849}}`, is defined as **self-handed, i.e. doing personally**. It is formed from the words for "self" (αὐτός) and "hand" (χείρ). This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, where it emphasizes direct, personal action undertaken by an individual or group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{G849}}` occurs in a moment of extreme crisis at sea. In the narrative of a violent storm, the crew and passengers take desperate measures to lighten their vessel. The text states that on "the **third** day we **cast out** with our **own hands** the **tackling** of the **ship**" [[Acts 27:19]]. The inclusion of **autócheir** highlights that this was not a detached or delegated task, but a hands-on, personal effort essential for their survival.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help clarify the scene:
* `{{G4496}}` **rhíptō**: This verb means to fling or **cast** out, often with a quick toss. It describes the urgent action that the crew performed with their own hands, such as when multitudes **cast** the sick at Jesus' feet to be healed [[Matthew 15:30]].
* `{{G4143}}` **ploîon**: This word for **ship** or vessel provides the setting for the event. The **ship** is a common setting in the New Testament, a place of both travel and peril, as when a great tempest arose while Jesus was asleep in the **ship** [[Matthew 8:24]].
* `{{G4631}}` **skeuḗ**: Meaning furniture or spare **tackling**, this noun identifies what was sacrificed. In its only cited use, it refers to the essential equipment of the ship that was thrown overboard to save the vessel [[Acts 27:19]].
* `{{G5154}}` **trítos**: As an ordinal, this means **third**. It marks the progression of the storm, indicating that this desperate, personal action occurred on the **third** day, a number often associated with significant events in scripture [[1 Corinthians 15:4]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the theological weight of `{{G849}}` is found in the principle it illustrates:
* **Personal Responsibility:** The term powerfully conveys the theme of personal agency and involvement. In a life-threatening situation, the passengers and crew took direct responsibility, using their "own hands" to contribute to their own deliverance [[Acts 27:19]].
* **Active Participation:** This word demonstrates that divine providence does not necessarily eliminate the need for human effort. Although Paul was promised that no lives would be lost, survival still required the crew to act, such as when they **cast out** the ship's tackling [[Acts 27:19]] and later were told they must abide in the **ship** to be saved [[Acts 27:31]].
* **Sacrifice in Crisis:** The act of using their **own hands** to discard the ship's valuable **tackling** `{{G4631}}` shows a conscious and personal sacrifice of material goods for the preservation of life.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G849}}` **autócheir** is a vivid and precise word whose single appearance provides a powerful image of human action amidst a crisis. It underscores the importance of personal, hands-on involvement and responsibility. It illustrates that faith and divine promises can coexist with the necessity for strenuous, "self-handed" effort to navigate the storms of life.
TRV