ἄγκυρα (agkura)

agkura

anchor

G0045 · Greek · New Testament · 4 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 4 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The noun agkura refers to a heavy anchor used to secure a ship in place. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, with three instances clustered in Acts 27 describing Paul’s perilous voyage to Rome. The text provides vivid details of sailors casting anchors from the stern and later dropping them from the bow to stabilize the vessel during a violent storm (Acts 27:29–40). These passages highlight the physical weight and reliability required to hold a ship against turbulent waters.

The word also appears in Hebrews 6:19, where it takes on a metaphorical role. The author describes hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Unlike a temporary mooring, this spiritual anchor reaches "behind the curtain" into the divine presence. This usage transforms a piece of maritime equipment into a symbol of stability, suggesting that faith provides a fixed point of reference when life’s circumstances are chaotic or uncertain.

The etymology traces back to agkos, meaning a bend or curve, which describes the hooked shape of the anchor itself. Translators consistently render it as "anchor," preserving both its literal nautical sense and its figurative power. The term does not imply passive waiting but rather active stability, holding fast against external forces.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Life often feels like being caught in a sudden storm, where the waves rise faster than we can react. In Acts 27, Paul’s ship was battered by fierce winds, and the crew had to drop heavy anchors just to keep from crashing against the rocks. This physical reality reminds us that stability requires weight and strength. When circumstances are chaotic, we need something solid to hold onto, not a fragile hope that drifts away with the tide.

Hebrews 6:19 takes this image further by describing hope as an anchor for the soul. Unlike a ship’s anchor that holds in shallow water, this spiritual anchor reaches deep into the divine presence. It is sure and steadfast, providing a fixed point of reference when everything else feels unstable. This means your faith is not about waiting passively but resting securely in God’s unchanging nature.

Even when you cannot see the calm ahead, you are held fast by something greater than the storm. This anchor does not promise the absence of trouble, but it guarantees that you will not be swept away. You can rest in the knowledge that your soul is secured by a love that transcends every fear and uncertainty.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

anchors3×
an anchor1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

ἀγκύρας3×
ἄγκυραν1×

Key Verses

Hebrews 6:19
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil,

This verse transforms the physical object into a metaphor, defining hope as a secure connection to God’s presence rather than just wishful thinking.
Acts 27:29
Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.

Here the anchor is used for emergency stabilization during a life-threatening storm, highlighting its role in preventing disaster when all else fails.
Acts 27:40
Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.

The release of the anchors marks the transition from crisis management to the final approach to land, showing the end of the period of intense instability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word anchor mean in the New Testament?

The Greek word agkura literally refers to a heavy device used to secure ships. In the New Testament, it appears in Acts during Paul’s shipwreck and in Hebrews as a metaphor for hope. It signifies stability, security, and holding fast against strong forces.

How is hope described as an anchor in Hebrews 6:19?

Hebrews 6:19 describes hope as an anchor for the soul that is both sure and steadfast. It is unique because it enters 'within the veil,' meaning it connects directly to God’s presence, offering a deeper security than any earthly mooring could provide.

Why does Paul mention anchors in Acts 27?

Paul recounts these details to show the severity of the storm and the crew’s desperate efforts to survive. The anchors were dropped to prevent the ship from being driven onto the rocks, illustrating a moment of critical danger where physical stability was essential for life.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)

Acts 3 verses

Acts 27:29

Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.

Acts 27:30

As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would…

Acts 27:40

Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail…

Hebrews 1 verse