Bible Dictionary
Anchor
An anchor secured ancient ships and helped hold them steady. In Hebrews, it symbolically represents the hope that firmly supports believers amid trial and uncertainty.
Definition
An anchor is a device used to hold a ship steady. Ancient Roman vessels carried several anchors, attached at the stern as well as the prow, and their anchors had two teeth or flukes.
Biblical Usage
In Acts, anchors appear in the account of the ship carrying Paul. Hebrews uses the anchor figuratively as an image of hope that supports and keeps a person steadfast in trial or doubt.
Historical Background
The Roman anchor described in the sources was broadly like the modern anchor, with two flukes.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
From Acts 27:29, 30, 40, it would appear that the Roman vessels carried several anchors, which were attached to the stern as well as to the prow. The Roman anchor, like the modern one, had two teeth or flukes. In Heb. 6:19 the word is used metaphorically for that which supports or keeps one steadfast in the time of trial or of doubt. It is an emblem of hope. “If you fear, Put all your trust in God: that anchor holds.”
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Acts 27:29)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>an'-ker. See SHIPS AND BOATS.</p>