### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼŏnîyâh**, represented by `{{H591}}`, is the primary term for a **ship**. It appears 32 times across 28 unique verses in the Bible. While it literally refers to a sea-going vessel, it is used in broader contexts of international commerce, military might, divine judgment, and human endeavor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H591}}` is used in several key contexts. It is frequently associated with commerce and the transport of wealth, such as the "ships of Tarshish" that brought gold, silver, and other exotic goods [[2 Chronicles 9:21]] or Jehoshaphat's ships built to seek gold from Ophir [[1 Kings 22:48]]. The term is central to the story of Jonah, who boards a ship `{{H591}}` to flee from God, only for the vessel to be caught in a great tempest sent by the Lord [[Jonah 1:3-4]]. Ships are also depicted as instruments of military power [[Daniel 11:40]] and are used symbolically to describe the mysterious "way of a ship in the midst of the sea" [[Proverbs 30:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of maritime activity:
* `{{H590}}` **ʼŏnîy** (a ship or (collectively) a fleet; galley, navy of ships): This masculine form often denotes a collection of vessels, such as the "navy of ships" King Solomon built [[1 Kings 9:26]] or the navy of Hiram [[1 Kings 10:22]].
* `{{H4419}}` **mallâch** (a sailor (as following 'the salt'); mariner.): This word identifies the crew of a ship. In the story of Jonah, the mariners become afraid during the storm [[Jonah 1:5]], and in Ezekiel's prophecy, they are listed as essential to Tyre's trade [[Ezekiel 27:9]].
* `{{H582}}` **ʼĕnôwsh** (a mortal... a man in general): This term for man is combined with `{{H591}}` to describe the "shipmen" with knowledge of the sea who served in Hiram's navy [[1 Kings 9:27]].
* `{{H2348}}` **chôwph** (a cove (as a sheltered bay); coast (of the sea), haven, shore, (sea-) side.): This term describes the destination for ships. Jacob's prophecy states that Zebulun will be a "haven of ships" [[Genesis 49:13]].
* `{{H5600}}` **çᵉphîynâh** (a (sea-going) vessel (as ceiled with a deck); ship.): A more specific term for a ship, it is used in [[Jonah 1:5]] to describe the decked part of the vessel where Jonah went to sleep, distinct from the general term `{{H591}}` used in the same verse.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H591}}` is shown in its symbolic applications.
* **Symbol of Human Strength:** The "ships of Tarshish" often represent the peak of human wealth, trade, and national power. Their destruction is a recurring theme of judgment, as when the ships are commanded to howl because their strength is "laid waste" [[Isaiah 23:14]] or when God breaks them with an east wind [[Psalms 48:7]].
* **Instrument of Divine Will:** Ships are subject to God's sovereignty. He uses them as a vehicle for judgment, promising to bring a disobedient Israel back to Egypt in ships [[Deuteronomy 28:68]]. In contrast, He also designates ships as instruments of restoration, with the ships of Tarshish being first to bring His sons home [[Isaiah 60:9]].
* **Context for Human Action:** A ship provides the setting for pivotal human choices. It is the means by which Jonah attempts to flee God's presence [[Jonah 1:3]], and it is where Jehoshaphat rejects a foolish alliance with Ahaziah [[1 Kings 22:49]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H591}}` is far more than a simple nautical term. It is a powerful symbol in Scripture representing commerce, national pride, and military force. From the narrative of a fleeing prophet to prophecies of judgment and restoration, the ship serves as a consistent illustration of the relationship between human ambition and divine sovereignty. It demonstrates how an everyday object can be used to convey profound truths about God's power over creation and the affairs of mankind.
TRV