Strong’s Greek 4031 appears once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:16, conveying the idea of gaining decisive control or mastery over an object that might otherwise be lost to surrounding forces. Its lone use supplies vivid imagery of determined action in the midst of peril, a motif that resonates throughout Scripture wherever God’s people “take hold” of His promises and purposes.

Biblical Context and Narrative Setting

Acts 27 details Paul’s voyage to Rome. After leaving Crete, the ship is caught in a violent northeaster. “As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the lifeboat” (Acts 27:16). The verb behind “secure” is 4031. Luke, an eyewitness, records that sailors fought wind and waves to haul the trailing skiff on board before it smashed apart. Their success becomes a turning point: the lifeboat later carries anchors (verse 29) and ultimately provides a means for all 276 souls to reach shore safely (verse 44). Thus, the one occurrence of 4031 anchors a narrative of providential preservation.

Semantic Nuances and Imagery

Coming from the preposition peri (“around”) and the root for “strength” or “mastery,” the compound evokes wrapping strength around something until it is firmly in hand. In Acts 27 the object is physical, but the idiom easily extends to abstract realities—truth, wisdom, faith—inviting believers to lay hold of spiritual lifelines with comparable resolve.

Historical Background: Maritime Practices

First-century seafarers often towed a skiff behind the main vessel during calm weather. Sudden storms made that practice dangerous; a swamped skiff could drag down the ship itself. Standard procedure was to pull the skiff aboard, lash it, and bind the hull with cables. Luke’s detail that the sailors “barely managed” underscores both the severity of the storm and their professional competence. Archaeological findings of Mediterranean freighters confirm the plausibility of the described actions, reinforcing the historical reliability of Luke’s account.

Theological Reflections

1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Effort: Acts 27 balances God’s promise (“not one of you will perish,” verse 22) with strenuous human action (securing the skiff, under-girding the ship, jettisoning cargo). The verb 4031 illustrates that trusting God does not nullify diligent labor but rather energizes it.
2. Salvation Typology: The skiff, once securely in hand, becomes instrumental in the crew’s deliverance, mirroring how the Gospel—when firmly grasped—carries souls through judgment to safety (Hebrews 6:18-19).
3. Stewardship of Resources: By securing what seemed secondary equipment, the sailors preserved a tool God would later use. Likewise, believers steward gifts, relationships, and opportunities that may appear marginal until providence reveals their purpose.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Crisis Leadership: Shepherds and lay leaders alike must act decisively to “secure the lifeboats” of doctrine and discipline when storms threaten the church (Titus 1:9).
• Perseverance: The imagery calls believers to cling to Christ amid cultural tempests, “holding fast the word of life” (Philippians 2:16).
• Encouragement in Hardship: Acts 27 models how a single faithful servant (Paul) can steady an entire community; ministry that grasps God’s promises with 4031-like tenacity becomes a refuge for many.

Intertextual Echoes and Broader Canonical Themes

While 4031 is unique to Acts 27:16, its root family (κρατέω) surfaces frequently: Jesus commends those who “hold fast My name” (Revelation 2:13), and believers are urged to “take hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:18). These parallels show that Luke’s nautical term shares a theological thread with exhortations to grasp and keep what God provides.

Conclusion

Strong’s 4031 encapsulates determined mastery in the face of overwhelming forces. Its lone New Testament appearance, situated within Luke’s meticulous voyage narrative, supplies historical color, reinforces the doctrine of providence, and offers enduring lessons on steadfast faith. As the sailors secured their lifeboat, so every generation of believers is summoned to seize what God has entrusted—truth, hope, mission—until the storm subsides and safe harbor is reached.