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ἄγκυρα

ánkyra

G45 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A heavy object, typically of metal, designed to secure a vessel by being dropped to the bottom of a body of water and attaching or gripping to prevent drifting; in extended contexts, that which secures, stabilizes, or provides hope or steadfastness. The primary sense is of a nautical anchor, with metaphorical uses for stability and security.

Semantic Range

nautical anchor, device for securing a ship, metaphor for security or stability, figurative expression for hope or steadfastness

Root / Etymology

From the same root as ἀγκάλη (ankalē, 'bend of the arm', 'elbow'), reflecting the curved or hooked shape of the anchor's arms. The word is of Greek origin; its etymological root involves the concept of bending or curving, related to the form of both the anchor and a crook of the arm.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἄγκυρα specifically refers to the anchor of a ship, an essential tool for safe harbor and stability at sea. While the material and design varied in ancient practice, the term fundamentally described any device used to secure a vessel. The metaphorical extension (e.g., for hope, security, or steadfastness) appears in literary and philosophical sources, and is notably present in the New Testament (Hebrews 6:19) where it represents hope as an anchor for the soul—a use not found in the Septuagint or earlier Greek sources. English translations consistently render the term as 'anchor', but may miss its metaphorical breadth when used outside of literal nautical contexts. The term carried no specifically religious meaning and was a common element of maritime vocabulary in the Greco-Roman world.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as ἀγκάλη; an "anchor" (as crooked):--anchor.

Root Family

ἄγκυρα (ankyra) — curve, bend, hook; securing device; stabilizing support

Root ἀγκυρ- curve, bend, hook

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G45-02 ἀγκύρας agkuras N ACC F PL anchors anchors anchors 3
G45-01 ἄγκυραν agkuran N ACC F SG an anchor an anchor an anchor 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G45-02 Acts 27:29 ἀγκύρας agkuras N ACC F PL anchors anchors anchors
G45-02 Acts 27:30 ἀγκύρας agkuras N ACC F PL anchors anchors anchors
G45-02 Acts 27:40 ἀγκύρας agkuras N ACC F PL anchors anchors anchors
G45-01 Hebrews 6:19 ἄγκυραν agkuran N ACC F SG an anchor an anchor an anchor
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