Bible Dictionary
Syrtis, The
The Syrtis was a dangerous region of shallow sands and shoals off the coast of North Africa. Paul’s shipmates feared being driven into it during the voyage to Rome.
Definition
The Syrtis was a dangerous shallow region of sands and shoals on the coast of North Africa. The name in Acts refers to the Syrtis Major.
Biblical Usage
During Paul’s voyage to Rome, the sailors feared that the ship would be driven into the Syrtis.
Historical Background
The Syrtis Major lay between Tripoli and Barca and was dreaded by Mediterranean sailors. The Syrtis Minor was farther west and was not the danger feared by Paul’s fellow voyagers.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Acts 27:17) in the Revised Version in place of “quicksands” in the Authorized Version. It was the well-known Syrtis Major, the terror of all Mediterranean sailors. “It is a dangerous shallow on the coast of Africa, between Tripoli and Barca, southwest of the island of Crete.” The other Syrtis Syrtis Minor, was too far west to be feared by Paul’s fellow voyagers.—ED.