The book of Hebrews employs several Greek words which in secular use were nautical terms and give vivid pictures regarding the Christian life. These maritime expressions draw from the nautical language of the ancient world, where sea travel was essential for commerce, communication, and survival. The author of Hebrews uses these terms to convey profound theological truths about faith, perseverance, and divine aid in the time of need.
Reference: Hebrews 2:1 (commentary)
Literal Meaning: To drift away from moorings; to slip away unnoticed
Nautical Background: Originally described a ship that has slipped its anchor or drifted off course without the crew's awareness
Theological Application: Warns believers against the gradual, imperceptible drift away from their faith and the gospel message they have heard
Unique Usage: This word appears only once in the New Testament in Hebrews 2:1
In depth study: See pararrheo
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Reference: Hebrews 2:1 (commentary)
Literal Meaning: To pay attention
Nautical Background: Prosecho meant to moor a ship, to tie it up and was also used to mean “to remain on course”.
Theological Application: Clearly in Hebrews the writer is calling his readers to remain on course with the Gospel, the New Covenant and not go back to the rituals of the Old Covenant.
In depth study: See prosecho
Hebrews 3:6 (commentary) but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house–whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.
Hebrews 3:14 (commentary) For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end,
Hebrews 10:23 (commentary) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
Literal Meaning: To hold fast, keep in possession, possess
Nautical Meaning: It was a nautical technical term meaning to hold one's course toward, to head for, or to steer for (Acts 27.40+)
Theological Significance: Holding fast to confidence, beginning of one's assurance or one's confession is indicative of the doctrine of perseverance which is a marker of genuine salvation.
In depth study: See katecho
Reference: Hebrews 6:19 (commentary)
Literal Meaning: retain, keep in possession, possess
Nautical Background: Essential maritime equipment for securing vessels in harbors or during storms
Theological Application: Hope is described as "an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast" that enters the heavenly sanctuary
Spiritual Metaphor: Represents the believer's secure connection to Christ and the certainty of salvation
In depth study: See agkura
Reference: Hebrews 6:20 (commentary)
Literal Meaning: A scout ship or advance vessel
Nautical Background: In ancient harbors, especially Alexandria, small pilot boats (prodromos) would guide larger ships safely through dangerous waters and sandbars
Theological Application: Jesus is described as our "forerunner" who has entered the heavenly sanctuary ahead of us, ensuring our safe passage
Historical Context: These pilot boats carried anchors from larger ships to secure harbors, guaranteeing the main vessel's eventual safe arrival
In depth study: See prodromos
Reference: Hebrews 4:16 (commentary)
Literal Meaning: Critical assistance, especially nautical aid
Nautical Background: Specifically refers to the frapping process - using ropes or cables to undergird and strengthen a ship's hull during storms9
Biblical Parallel: This same word appears in Acts 27:17 (see commentary), describing the literal frapping of Paul's storm-damaged ship
Theological Application: God's grace provides timely, critical assistance when believers face spiritual storms - like emergency maritime aid that holds a ship together
In depth study: See boetheia