Syrtis (ISBE)

DIC dictionary-entry · status:draft · license:PD

sir´tis ( σύρτις , súrtis ): the Revised Version (British and American) form for "quicksands" in Acts 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.