ἀρτέμων (artemōn)
artemōn
foresail
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun artemōn refers specifically to the foresail or topsail of an ancient ship. Unlike the main sail that dominated the vessel’s profile, this smaller canvas was rigged forward, near the bow. Its purpose was practical rather than decorative: it provided maneuverability and stability when winds were shifting or when precise steering was needed in tight spaces.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:40. The context is Paul’s voyage to Rome during a storm. When the ship runs aground, the soldiers cut away the anchors and loosen the foresail to help guide the vessel toward shore. This single usage highlights the word’s nautical specificity; it describes a functional part of maritime life that most readers would not encounter in daily experience.
The term derives from a root meaning "to fasten" or "secure," reflecting how the sail was attached to the yardarm. Its rarity in Scripture underscores that the biblical authors included it only when the physical details of sailing mattered to the narrative. In Acts, it serves as a concrete detail that grounds the spiritual journey in real-world conditions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word artemōn refers to the foresail of an ancient ship, a smaller canvas rigged near the bow to help steer and stabilize the vessel when winds shifted or precise maneuvering was required. Unlike the main sail that dominated the profile, this part of the rigging was about control and direction in changing conditions. Its appearance in Scripture is rare, found only once, which makes its context all the more significant.
In Acts 27:40, Paul’s ship runs aground during a storm. The soldiers cut away the anchors and loosen the rudder ropes, then hoist up the foresail to catch the wind and guide the boat toward the beach. This detail grounds the spiritual journey in real-world conditions, showing how God uses practical means to bring people safely through trials.
For your faith, this word reminds us that even in life’s storms, there are ways to stay steady. Just as the foresail helped the sailors navigate uncertain waters, trusting God provides direction when circumstances feel out of control. You are not left without guidance; He offers stability and a path forward, even when the sea is rough.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- foresail1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀρτέμωνα1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse shows the foresail being hoisted to catch the wind, helping the ship navigate toward shore after anchors were cast off.