Bible Dictionary
SYRTIS
Syrtis was a dangerous region of sandbanks or quicksands off the northern coast of Africa. During Paul’s voyage to Rome, the storm-driven ship was in danger of being carried onto these shoals.
Definition
Syrtis was a dangerous region of sandbanks or quicksands off the northern coast of Africa. Such shoals were regarded from early times as a serious danger to ships.
Biblical Usage
During Paul’s voyage to Rome, the storm-driven ship was in danger of being carried onto the Syrtis sandbanks.
Historical Background
The Revised Version uses “Syrtis” where the King James Version has “quicksands.” Ancient writers also regarded the region as hazardous to mariners.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sir'-tis (surtis): the Revised Version (British and American) form for "quicksands" in Ac 27:17. These sandbanks, off the northern coast of Africa, have from early times been regarded as a source of danger to mariners. Virgil refers to them (Aen. iv.40 f). In Paul's voyage, the ship, driven by a tempestuous wind, Euraquilo, was in peril of being cast-upon them.</p>