Fathom
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
A fathom is a unit of linear measurement equal to six feet or two yards, historically employed in maritime contexts to gauge water depth, as documented in Acts 27:28.
What is the meaning of Fathom in the Bible?
A fathom is a unit of linear measurement equal to six feet or two yards, historically employed in maritime contexts to gauge water depth, as documented in Acts 27:28.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the fathom as a standard nautical measurement allows readers to appreciate the precise depth of the sea during the storm, thereby illuminating the practical dangers and urgency faced by Paul and the crew.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Fathom in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Fathom clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.