Syrtis Summary
STEPBible TIPNR
Syrtis, a dangerous area of shallow waters off the coast of Libya, feared by sailors (Act 27:17).
Syrtis
PlaceDangerous shallow waters off the coast of Libya
Names
- en Syrtis
- el σύρτις · G4950
- bg Сирт
Location
Mentioned in (1)
SDA Books
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Syrtis Article
STEPBible TIPNR
Syrtis is mentioned in Act.27.17 as a dangerous area of shallow waters that sailors feared. As the ship carrying Paul to Rome was caught in a storm, the crew took measures to avoid being driven into the Syrtis. The Syrtis, also known as the Gulf of Sirte, is located off the coast of modern-day Libya in North Africa. It was notorious in ancient times for its shifting sand bars and treacherous currents, which could easily trap and wreck ships. The mention of Syrtis in the context of Paul's journey to Rome highlights the perils faced by sailors in the Mediterranean Sea during that time.
Quicksands Dictionary
Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Found only in Acts 27:17, the rendering of the Greek Syrtis. On the north coast of Africa were two localities dangerous to sailors, called the Greater and Lesser Syrtis. The former of these is probably here meant. It lies between Tripoli and Barca, and near Cyrene. The Lesser Syrtis lay farther to the west.
Sources: OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding Data (CC BY 4.0, ad36371) · STEPBible TIPNR (CC BY 4.0, Syrtis@Act.27.17) · Theographic Bible Metadata (CC BY-SA 4.0, syrtis_1123) · Wikidata (CC0 1.0, Q187274)