Hoise
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Hoise in the Bible?
The older form of 'hoist' to raise, to lift, and is the translation of epairo, 'to lift up'. It is used in Acts 27:40 to describe raising the mainsail to the wind.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this nautical terminology clarifies the specific maritime actions taken by Paul and the crew during the shipwreck narrative, grounding the biblical account in the practical realities of first-century seafaring.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Hoise. 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 Hoise in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hoise clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Acts 27:40
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
"Hoise." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hoise/