Boats appear in the Bible in various stories, from Noah’s ark to Jesus calming the storm. These vessels often symbolize faith, protection, and trust in God. Today, we’ll explore how these accounts provide lessons for our own journeys through life.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Boastfulness
What Does The Bible Say About Boat
Genesis 6:14
“So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.”
In this verse, God instructs Noah to build an ark, a large boat, to save himself, his family, and various animals from the impending flood. It demonstrates God’s provision and guidance in times of crisis.
Building the ark required faith and obedience from Noah, as it was a massive undertaking. This verse serves as a reminder that God can provide the means of salvation and protection, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Exodus 2:3
“But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.”
This verse describes how Moses’ mother used a basket coated with tar and pitch to create a makeshift boat to save her son from Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys. It showcases a mother’s determination to protect her child and God’s hand in providence.
Just as Moses was saved through the floating basket, it serves as a reminder that God can use unexpected means to bring about His plans and protect His chosen ones.
Exodus 14:21
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided.”
In this verse, we witness an incredible event as Moses, through God’s power, parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape the pursuing Egyptian army. It demonstrates God’s control over nature and His ability to bring safety and deliverance to His people.
The parting of the Red Sea highlights the importance of trusting in God’s miraculous intervention, even when we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Just as the Israelites walked through the divided sea on dry land, we can have faith that God will make a way for us when we feel trapped.
Jonah 1:3
“But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.”
In this verse, Jonah attempts to flee from God’s command to go to Nineveh by boarding a ship to Tarshish. It showcases Jonah’s disobedience and his desire to escape God’s plan for him.
This verse serves as a warning against disobedience and the consequences that can arise from trying to run away from God’s will. It reminds us that true peace and fulfillment can only be found by surrendering to God’s purposes for our lives.
Matthew 8:23-24
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.”
In this verse, Jesus and His disciples encounter a violent storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee. It demonstrates Jesus’ authority over nature, as well as the disciples’ fear and lack of faith.
Just as Jesus remained calm and untroubled in the midst of the storm, it serves as a reminder to trust in Him during times of turbulence and uncertainty. This verse encourages us to have faith that Jesus can calm any storm in our lives.
Matthew 14:26
“When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.”
In this verse, the disciples witness Jesus walking on water towards their boat during a storm. Their initial reaction is one of fear and confusion, mistaking Him for a ghost.
This verse serves as a reminder that our limited perspective and lack of understanding can often cause us to fear the unknown. It invites us to trust in Jesus, even in situations that seem impossible or beyond our comprehension.
Matthew 14:28-29
““Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
In this verse, Peter displays a moment of incredible faith and courage by stepping out of the boat at Jesus’ invitation to walk on the water. It demonstrates the power of trust and the rewards of taking bold steps of faith.
While Peter faltered and began to sink when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the storm, this verse reminds us of the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Christ and stepping out in faith, even when it goes against our natural inclinations.
Mark 4:37-39
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
In this verse, Jesus calms a raging storm that threatens to sink the boat the disciples are in. It showcases Jesus’ power over nature and His ability to bring peace in the midst of chaos.
This verse reminds us that Jesus is always present, even in the stormiest seasons of our lives. It encourages us to call upon Him in times of trouble and trust that He has the authority to bring calmness and stillness to our turbulent circumstances.
Mark 6:45-47
“Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land.”
In this verse, Jesus sends His disciples ahead in a boat while He goes up on a mountainside to pray. It demonstrates Jesus’ prioritization of prayer and His desire for His followers to rely on Him.
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of solitude and communion with God. It encourages us to seek moments of seclusion to connect with Him and find guidance, just as Jesus set aside time for intimate communication with His heavenly Father.
Luke 5:1-3
“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.”
In this verse, Jesus uses Simon Peter’s boat as a platform to teach the crowd by the Lake of Gennesaret. It demonstrates Jesus’ ability to utilize everyday objects and situations to fulfill His purposes and share the message of God.
Just as Jesus taught from the boat, it reminds us that God can use our resources, talents, and circumstances to make an impact for His kingdom. It encourages us to be willing vessels, ready to offer ourselves and what we have for His use.
Luke 8:22-24
“One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.”
In this verse, Jesus and His disciples encounter a life-threatening storm while crossing the lake. Jesus demonstrates His power by calming the storm and saving them from peril, revealing His authority over nature.
This verse serves as a reminder that Jesus is in control even when we find ourselves in the midst of great danger. It encourages us to turn to Him in times of fear and trust that He has the ability to bring peace and safety to our lives.
Acts 27:14-15
“Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.”
In this verse, Paul and his companions find themselves caught in a severe storm while sailing towards Rome. It highlights the dangerous conditions they faced and the lack of control they had over their circumstances.
This verse reminds us that storms and challenges are a part of life, and sometimes we may find ourselves carried along by their force. However, it also serves as an encouragement to hold on to hope and trust in God’s faithfulness, even in the midst of overwhelming difficulties.
Acts 27:22
“But now I urge you to keep up your courage because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.”
In this verse, Paul reassures his fellow passengers on the ship that although the vessel will be destroyed, their lives will be spared. It showcases Paul’s faith in God’s protection and serves as a reminder that even in the face of loss and destruction, God can deliver us.
This verse encourages us to maintain courage and trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is able to bring us through difficult situations unharmed. It reminds us that God’s plans for our lives may not always align with our expectations, but His ultimate purpose is for our well-being and salvation.
Acts 27:26
“Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
In this verse, Paul predicts that the ship will run aground on an island, indicating the shipwreck that will soon occur. It demonstrates Paul’s prophetic insight and reveals God’s sovereignty in determining their eventual destination.
This verse teaches us that in the midst of turbulent circumstances, we can find solace in the knowledge that God is in control. It reminds us that even when our plans are disrupted and we face unexpected detours in life, God can use those experiences for His purposes and guide us to a place of safety.
Acts 28:4
“When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.””
In this verse, the islanders mistakenly assume that Paul is a criminal deserving of punishment when they witness a snake bite him after surviving the shipwreck. It highlights the misjudgments that can arise from misunderstanding or limited perspectives.
This verse serves as a reminder that our circumstances and appearances do not define our identity or worth. It encourages us to refrain from jumping to conclusions about others and instead seek understanding and empathy, recognizing that our perceptions may be flawed.
Acts 28:5
“But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.”
In this verse, Paul demonstrates bravery and faith as he shakes off the venomous snake that latched onto his hand. It showcases God’s protection and affirms Paul’s purpose and ministry.
This verse encourages us to trust in God’s strength and guidance, even in the face of danger or adversity. It reminds us that when we stay steadfast in our faith, God will empower us to overcome obstacles and remain unharmed.
1 Corinthians 15:32
“If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.””
In this verse, Paul reflects on the risks and sacrifices he has endured for his faith, emphasizing the importance of the resurrection of the dead as the ultimate hope. It highlights the eternal perspective that Christianity offers.
This verse encourages us to hold fast to our beliefs and continue living with purpose and dedication, even when faced with trials and challenges. It reminds us that our earthly actions hold greater significance when rooted in the hope of eternal life.
Revelation 13:1
“The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.”
In this verse, John envisions a vision of a fearsome beast rising out of the sea, symbolizing a powerful and malicious force. It represents the evil and opposition that Christians may face in the world.
This verse serves as a reminder that as followers of Christ, we may encounter turbulent and hostile environments. However, it encourages us to stand firm in our faith and trust in God’s ultimate victory over darkness and evil.
Revelation 21:1
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.”
In this verse, John describes his vision of the new heaven and new earth, where the sea no longer exists. It symbolizes the absence of chaos, turmoil, and separation from God.
This verse offers a glimpse of the glorious future that awaits believers, one free from pain, suffering, and conflict. It reassures us that in the end, God will restore and renew all things, bringing peace and harmony to creation.