σκευή (skeuē)
skeuē
gear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun skeuē refers to practical gear or equipment, specifically appearing in Acts 27:19 to describe the ship’s tackle. In this context, it denotes the ropes, nets, and other fittings that sailors used to manage their vessel during a storm.
Its root relates to preparing or making something for use. While often translated as "equipment" in general contexts, here it highlights the physical tools necessary for survival at sea. The word underscores the tangible reality of the apostle’s journey, focusing on the material means rather than spiritual metaphors.
This single usage distinguishes it from broader terms for vessels or containers. It points to the functional apparatus that enables a task, reminding readers that even miraculous events unfold through ordinary, physical means.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skeuē appears only once in the New Testament, describing the practical gear thrown overboard during a violent storm. This single instance grounds the spiritual narrative in physical reality. Paul’s journey was not just a matter of divine promise but involved real ropes, nets, and human effort.
When life feels like a tempest, we often look for signs beyond our control. Yet this verse shows that God works through ordinary means. The crew used their own hands to lighten the ship. Faith does not replace responsibility; it walks alongside it.
Your daily tasks are part of this same story. Whether you are managing a household or a workplace, your practical efforts matter. God uses these tangible actions to bring about His purposes. Trust that your steady work is seen and valued.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tackle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκευὴν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:19
On the third day, they threw out the ship’s tackle with their own hands.
This verse uniquely identifies skeuē as the ship's tackle, highlighting the physical effort required to survive the storm.