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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Rudder</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/r/rudder.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/acts/27-40.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/r/rudder.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Rudder</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/r/ruby--general_scriptures_concerning.htm" title="Ruby: General Scriptures Concerning">◄</a> Rudder <a href="/topical/r/rudderbands.htm" title="Rudderbands">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the context of biblical times, a rudder is a crucial component of a ship, used to steer and navigate through the waters. Although the term "rudder" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept and function of a rudder are implied in various passages that discuss ships and navigation.<br><br><b>Biblical References and Symbolism</b><br><br>The rudder, as a tool for steering a ship, is symbolically significant in the Bible. It represents guidance, direction, and control, much like the role of divine wisdom and the Holy Spirit in guiding the lives of believers. The Apostle James uses the imagery of a ship's rudder to illustrate the power of the tongue in <a href="/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4-5</a> : "Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things."<br><br>This passage highlights the disproportionate influence of the rudder compared to the size of the ship, drawing a parallel to the tongue's ability to direct the course of one's life. Just as a rudder determines the direction of a ship, the words we speak can shape our destiny and impact those around us.<br><br><b>Historical Context</b><br><br>In ancient times, ships were vital for trade, travel, and military endeavors. The rudder, typically a flat piece of wood or metal attached to the stern, was manipulated by a tiller or wheel to change the vessel's direction. The effectiveness of a rudder was essential for navigating the often unpredictable and treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea, which is frequently mentioned in the Bible.<br><br>The Apostle Paul's journeys, as recorded in the Book of Acts, often involved sea travel. For instance, in <a href="/bsb/acts/27.htm">Acts 27</a>, Paul is aboard a ship caught in a violent storm. The crew's struggle to control the ship amidst the tempest underscores the importance of a rudder in maintaining course and ensuring safety.<br><br><b>Spiritual Application</b><br><br>The rudder's role in steering a ship serves as a metaphor for the necessity of spiritual guidance in a believer's life. Just as a ship requires a rudder to navigate the seas, Christians rely on the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to direct their paths. <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a> encourages believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."<br><br>In this light, the rudder symbolizes the importance of submitting to God's will and seeking His direction in all aspects of life. By doing so, believers can navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life with confidence and assurance, knowing that they are being guided by the ultimate Pilot.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>While the Bible does not explicitly mention the rudder, its symbolic significance as a tool for guidance and direction is evident throughout Scripture. The imagery of a rudder steering a ship serves as a powerful reminder of the influence of our words and the necessity of divine guidance in our lives.<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>Rudder bands<p>Ancient ships had two great broad-bladed oars for rudders. These, when not in use, were lifted out of the water and bound or tied up. When required for use, these bands were unloosed and the rudders allowed to drop into the water (<a href="/acts/27-40.htm">Acts 27:40</a>). <a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) A riddle or sieve.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) The mechanical appliance by means of which a vessel is guided or steered when in motion. It is a broad and flat blade made of wood or iron, with a long shank, and is fastened in an upright position, usually by one edge, to the sternpost of the vessel in such a way that it can be turned from side to side in the water by means of a tiller, wheel, or other attachment.<p>3. (<I>n.</I>) Fig.: That which resembles a rudder as a guide or governor; that which guides or governs the course.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">BANDS OF RUDDER</span><p>See <a href="../r/rudder.htm">RUDDER</a>.<p><span class="encheading">RUDDER; RUDDER-BANDS</span><p>rud'-er.<br><br>See <a href="../s/ships.htm">SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 2, (3)</a>.<p><a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/4079.htm"><span class="l">4079. pedalion -- a <b>rudder</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> a <b>rudder</b>. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: pedalion Phonetic Spelling:<br> (pay-dal'-ee-on) Short Definition: the <b>rudder</b> of a ship Definition: the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4079.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/simpson/days_of_heaven_upon_earth_/november_23_it_is_high.htm"><span class="l">November 23. "It is High Time to Awake Out of Sleep" (Rom. xiii. <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> It is the wind that carries the ship across the waves; but the wind is powerless<br> unless the hand of the boatman is held firmly upon the <b>rudder</b>, and that <b>rudder</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /november 23 it is high.htm</font><p><a href="/library/archelaus/the_acts_of_the_disputation_with_the_heresiarch_manes/19_but_if_it_seems.htm"><span class="l">But if it Seems Difficult for You to Understand This...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> resemble a ship which has been constructed by the builder and launched into the<br> deep, which, however, it is impossible to navigate without the <b>rudder</b>, by which <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/19 but if it seems.htm</font><p><a href="/library/leo/writings_of_leo_the_great/chapter_xxxii_how_those_are.htm"><span class="l">How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> previously, And thou shalt be as one that sleepeth in the midst of the sea, and<br> as a steersman that is lulled to rest, having let go the <b>rudder</b> (Proverbs 23:35 <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxxii how those are.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kuyper/the_work_of_the_holy_spirit/xvi_self-denial.htm"><span class="l">Self-Denial.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> As the steamship is turned about by the <b>rudder</b>, which is swung by the means of a<br> wheel, so there is within our being a <b>rudder</b>, or whatever you may call it <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xvi self-denial.htm</font><p><a href="/library/browne/christian_morals/christian_morals_part_i.htm"><span class="l">Christian Morals. Part I.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> In this virtuous voyage of thy life hull not about like the ark, without<br> the use of <b>rudder</b>, mast, or sail, and bound for no port. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part i.htm</font><p><a href="/library/guyon/a_short_and_easy_method_of_prayer/chapter_xxii_of_internal_acts.htm"><span class="l">Of Internal Acts</span></a> <br><b>...</b> How is the pilot now employed? He is content with spreading the sails and<br> holding the <b>rudder</b>. To spread the sails is to lay one's <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter xxii of internal acts.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_the_acts/a_total_wreck_all_hands.htm"><span class="l">A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea,<br> and loosed the <b>rudder</b>-bands, and noised up the main-sail to the wind, and made <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a total wreck all hands.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_acts_and_romans/homily_liii_acts_xxvi_30-32.htm"><span class="l">Acts xxvi. 30-32</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea,<br> and loosed the <b>rudder</b> bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm</font><p><a href="/library/tertullian/on_repentance/chapter_i_of_heathen_repentance.htm"><span class="l">Of Heathen Repentance.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And thus, voyaging all the universal course of life without the <b>rudder</b> of reason,<br> they know not how to shun the hurricane which is impending over the world. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter i of heathen repentance.htm</font><p><a href="/library/orr/food_for_the_lambs_or_helps_for_young_christians/introduction.htm"><span class="l">Introduction.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Make the Word of God your compass, and obedience the <b>rudder</b> that steers your little<br> bark in all the ways God's commandments point you; and make faith the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/introduction.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/r/rudder.htm"><span class="l"><b>Rudder</b> (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Easton's Bible Dictionary <b>Rudder</b> bands. <b>...</b> 3. (n.) Fig.: That which resembles a <b>rudder</b><br> as a guide or governor; that which guides or governs the course. Int. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rudder.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rudder-bands.htm"><span class="l"><b>Rudder</b>-bands</span></a><br><b>Rudder</b>-bands. Rudderbands, <b>Rudder</b>-bands. Rudders . Int. Standard Bible<br> Encyclopedia <b>RUDDER</b>; <b>RUDDER</b>-BANDS. rud'-er. See SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 2, (3). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rudder-bands.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rudderbands.htm"><span class="l">Rudderbands</span></a><br>Rudderbands. <b>Rudder</b>, Rudderbands. <b>Rudder</b>-bands . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia<br><b>RUDDER</b>; <b>RUDDER</b>-BANDS. rud'-er. See SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 2, (3). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rudderbands.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/bands.htm"><span class="l">Bands (130 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Israel. BANDS OF <b>RUDDER</b>. See <b>RUDDER</b>. BANDS, BEAUTY AND. See BEAUTY AND BANDS.<br> Multi-Version Concordance Bands (130 Occurrences). Mark <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bands.htm - 37k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/ruby.htm"><span class="l">Ruby (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/ruby.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/y/yoke.htm"><span class="l">Yoke (79 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 5. (n.) A frame or convex piece by which a bell is hung for ringing it. See Illust.<br> of Bell. 6. (n.) A crosspiece upon the head of a boat's <b>rudder</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/y/yoke.htm - 40k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/navigation.htm"><span class="l">Navigation (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3. (n.) The management of sails, <b>rudder</b>, etc.; the mechanics of traveling by water;<br> seamanship. 4. (n.) Ships in general. Multi-Version Concordance <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/navigation.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/u/untying.htm"><span class="l">Untying (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> RSV NIV). Acts 27:40 Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea,<br> at the same time untying the <b>rudder</b> ropes. Hoisting up the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/u/untying.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/loosed.htm"><span class="l">Loosed (41 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto<br> the sea, and loosed the <b>rudder</b> bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/loosed.htm - 19k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/guided.htm"><span class="l">Guided (86 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> James 3:4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce<br> winds, are yet guided by a very small <b>rudder</b>, wherever the pilot desires. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/guided.htm - 31k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/joking-sin.html">Is joking a sin? What does the Bible say about telling jokes? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/rudder.htm">Rudder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Rudder (2 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/acts/27-40.htm">Acts 27:40</a></span><br />Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the <span class="boldtext">rudder</span> ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4</a></span><br />Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small <span class="boldtext">rudder</span>, wherever the pilot desires.<br /><span class="source">(WEB WEY ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/rudder.htm">Rudder</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rudder.htm">Rudder (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rudder-bands.htm">Rudder-bands</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/r/ruby--general_scriptures_concerning.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ruby: General Scriptures Concerning"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ruby: General Scriptures Concerning" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/r/rudderbands.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Rudderbands"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Rudderbands" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>