πρῷρα (prōra)
prōra
bow
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun prōra refers specifically to the bow or forward part of a ship. In the New Testament, this technical nautical term appears only twice, both within the dramatic account of Paul’s voyage to Rome in Acts 27.
Its usage highlights the physical reality of ancient seafaring. The text contrasts prōra with prymna, the stern, illustrating how sailors managed a vessel in storm conditions. This distinction underscores the precision of the narrative, grounding the spiritual journey in tangible maritime practice.
Though rare, the word anchors the reader in the concrete dangers faced by those on board. It serves as a reminder that biblical accounts often employ specific, everyday vocabulary to describe moments of high stakes and uncertainty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prōra points to the very front of a ship, the part that cuts through the water first. In Acts 27, this specific term grounds Paul’s journey in real physical danger. When the storm hits, the crew uses every tool and technique available to survive. The narrative does not shy away from the technical details of sailing, showing us that God’s presence is with us in the midst of concrete, tangible crises.
Even when circumstances seem out of control, like a ship stuck fast against the rocks, there is a steady reality to hold onto. The bow remains immovable while the rest of the vessel breaks apart. This image reminds us that faith provides a fixed point during life’s most turbulent seasons. We are not left to drift without direction or support.
Trust in God’s care does not mean we ignore the storm, but it does mean we anchor our hope in His promises. Whether you face sudden upheaval or long-standing uncertainty, remember that the same God who guided Paul through the Mediterranean is with you now. Your faith can stand firm even when everything else feels unstable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bow1×
- [the] bow1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πρῷρα1×
- πρῴρης1×
Key Verses
-
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 lay out anchors from the bow,
This verse reveals the sailors' desperate attempt to escape by lowering the boat, using the bow as a deceptive cover for their actions.
-
Acts 27:41
But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.
Here the bow strikes the sandbar and holds firm, providing a stable point amidst the violent destruction of the rest of the ship.