Fathom
Culture & SocietyWhat 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
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Fathom. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Fathom in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Fathom clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Acts 27:28
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Fathom." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/fathom/