Original Word: παρασημος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: parasémos
Pronunciation: pah-rah'-say-mos
Phonetic Spelling: (par-as'-ay-mos)
KJV: sign
NASB: figurehead, had
Word Origin: [from G3844 (παρά - than) and the base of G4591 (σημαίνω - indicate)]

1. side-marked, i.e. labelled (with a badge (figure-head) of a ship)

side-marked with a figurehead

From para and the base of semaino; side-marked, i.e. Labelled (with a badge (figure-head) of a ship) -- sign.

see GREEK para

see GREEK semaino

Word Origin
from para and séma (a sign, mark)
Definition
marked amiss, marked at the side, marked with a sign
NASB Translation
figurehead (1), had (1).

STRONGS NT 3902: παράσημος

παράσημος, παράσημον (παρά (which see IV. 2), and σῆμα (a mark))

1. marked falsely, spurious, counterfeit; as coin.

2. marked beside or on the margin; so of noteworthy words, which the reader of a book marks on the margin hence,

3. universally, noted, marked, conspicuous, remarkable (of persons, in a bad sense, notorious); marked with a sign: ἐν πλοίῳ παρασήμῳ Διοσκωυροις, in a ship marked with the image or figure of the Dioscuri, Acts 28:11 (cf. B. D. under the word ).

Definition and Background

The term designates a vessel distinguished by a visible emblem or figurehead. In antiquity such signs served practical, decorative, and religious purposes, identifying a ship’s home port, patron deity, or owner, and supposedly securing the favor of the gods during perilous voyages.

Biblical Occurrence

Acts 28:11 records the sole New Testament use: “After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had the Twin Brothers as its figurehead” (Berean Standard Bible). Luke notes the detail while narrating Paul’s final leg from Malta to Rome, revealing the everyday maritime world through which the gospel advanced.

Historical Context: Figureheads and Maritime Practice

1. Popular Symbols. Greco-Roman mariners often honored Castor and Pollux (the Dioscuri) as guardians of sailors. Their images, carved or painted on the prow, were meant to calm fears of shipwreck.
2. Alexandrian Grain Fleet. The vessel in Acts 28 likely belonged to Rome’s grain service, transporting Egyptian harvests to Italy. Such ships were large, well-crewed, and seasonally timed, explaining the three-month winter stay at Malta.
3. Navigation and Identity. A figurehead made a ship recognizable in crowded harbors and conveyed allegiance to powerful patrons, whether gods, emperors, or commercial syndicates.

Theological Reflections

• Sovereign Providence. Though the ship bore pagan imagery, the Lord governed its course, underscoring Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” God’s purpose for Paul to testify in Rome (Acts 23:11) overrode human superstition.
• Light in a Pagan Setting. Paul, “a servant of Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:1), boarded a craft dedicated to mythical twins; yet the true gospel accompanied him, illuminating idolatrous symbolism with the reality of the risen Savior.
• Contrast of Twins and One Mediator. While sailors trusted two brothers for rescue, Scripture declares “there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). The narrative subtly exposes the insufficiency of multiple protectors beside the One who stills storms (Mark 4:39).

Ministry Applications

1. Engaging Culture. Believers today often traverse environments marked by secular or idolatrous emblems. Acts 28:11 encourages respectful presence without compromise, bringing truth aboard every vessel—workplace, classroom, or marketplace.
2. Confidence in Mission. Like Paul, ministers may rely on resources provided by unbelievers (Philippians 4:19). God steers even pagan infrastructure for kingdom advance.
3. Evangelistic Opportunity. A figurehead invited conversation; Paul’s knowledge of Greek poetry (Acts 17:28) suggests he could address Castor and Pollux devotees with gospel clarity. Likewise, modern witnesses can begin where culture is and lead toward Christ.

Related Scriptural Themes

• Protection in Voyage: Psalm 107:23-30; 2 Corinthians 11:25.
• God’s Use of Secular Means: Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1-4); Roman roads (Galatians 4:4).
• Gospel Arrival in Rome: Acts 19:21; Acts 28:14; Philippians 1:12-13.

παρασημω παρασήμω παρασήμῳ παρασιώπα παρασιωπηθήσεται παρασιωπήσεται παρασιωπήση παρασιωπήσης παρασιωπήσομαι παρασιωπήσονται παρεσιώπα παρεσιωπήσατε παρεσιώπησε parasemo parasēmō parasḗmoi parasḗmōiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts