Hebrew · Strong's H591
אֳנִיָּה
(oh-nee-YAH)
noun, feminine
This term refers to a seagoing vessel, typically used for transport, trade, or warfare.
The Hebrew term אֳנִיָּה (oh-nee-YAH) broadly denotes a ship or fleet of ships. Its primary usage in the Hebrew Bible centers on the practical aspects of naval activity, often in the context of commercial ventures, royal expeditions, or military engagements. The semantic range of this word is somewhat narrow, consistently pointing to a vessel that traverses large bodies of water. The Bible focuses on the function and fate of these vessels, rather than their detailed construction or types, though specialized terms like "ships of Tarshish" may imply a certain class or destination. In poetic and prophetic literature, ships can also serve metaphorically, representing nations, wealth, or instruments of divine judgment. However, the concrete reality of these vessels and their capacity for movement and commerce remains central to understanding the various biblical contexts where this word appears. The imagery often conveys enterprise, economic might, or the vulnerability of human endeavors when confronted with natural forces or divine will. The occasional mention of shipmen alongside ships underscores the human element involved in their operation and utility.
Common English renderings
- ship
- ships
- shipmen
Key verses
"Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber."
Read in context →
"With the east wind Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish."
Read in context →
"For the king had ships that went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; once every three years came the ships of Tarshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks."
Read in context →
"and he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish; and they made the ships in Ezion-geber."
Read in context →
"Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, Jehovah hath destroyed thy works. And the ships were broken, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish."
Read in context →
"And at the time of the end shall the king of the south contend with him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass through."
Read in context →