Anchor (45) (agkura, Latin = ancora, an anchor) is a heavy weight of stone or metal attached to a rope or chain and dropped overboard to keep a ship from moving with the current. Ancient anchors were much like the modern ones with iron hooks to grapple the rocks and so hold on to prevent shipwreck. A vessel that is not securely anchored does not have much hope of riding out a violent storm. Figuratively, as used in Hebrews it speaks of that which provides security, support, stay, safeguard (as hope). The anchor refers to the hope generated by faith in gospel which enables the believer to stand firm in face of temptations, calamities and storms. Agkura is used 4 times in Scripture (Acts 27:29, 30, 40; Heb 6:19), all three of the Acts uses referring to a literal anchor. Easton's dictionary states that it would appear that the Roman vessels carried several anchors, which were attached to the stern as well as to the prow. The Roman anchor, like the modern one, had two teeth or flukes. In the word is used metaphorically for that which supports or keeps one steadfast in the time of trial or of doubt. It is an emblem of hope. "If you fear, Put all your trust in God: that anchor holds. Thayer writes that... (ancient anchors resembled modern in form: were of iron, provided with a stock, and with two teeth-like extremities often but by no means always without flukes; Anchors symbolized hope in Greek secular world. Agkura is used by the writer as vivid picture of that which supports and keeps one steadfast in the midst of waves of doubt or stormy trials. If you fear, if you doubt, place all your trust in Christ: the "Anchor" Who holds forever. The anchor was an ancient Christian symbol for safety, security, and hope. Jon Courson adds that... In the catacombs of Rome, where Christians hid in times of persecution, one symbol can be seen more than any other: the anchor. No matter what storms come our way, we are anchored in the Word of God, in the promises He made. We have this sure hope that He will do what He says. So don’t go back to temple worship, entreats the author. Don’t go back to heathen practices, to partying, to wherever else you came from. Be anchored in the immutable, unchangeable, sure, and steadfast Word of God. (Courson, J. Jon Courson's Application Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson) The sworn promises of God and the faithfulness of God should serve as an anchor to calm fears in storms of life. The anchor conveys the sense of the stabilizing influence of a hope grounded (anchored!), one grounded not on so called "terra firma" (which is passing away) but in the inner sanctuary of heaven in the Forerunner Himself. Christ Jesus is fulfillment of the unchangeable divine purpose based on two immutable facts: God’s Word of promise and His oath. Note the use of other nautical concepts in this book - Hebrews 2:1; 3:6, 14; 10:23, 38. The anchor is the shadow, of which Jesus is the substance. Vine writes that what an anchor is to a vessel in its tossings, so the hope is to us in our times of trial, difficulty and stress. The anchor is outside the ship, is connected with it, and keeps it secure. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson or Logos) Soul (5590) (psuche from psucho = to breathe) refers to whole person particularly inner, immortal person who lives in the mortal body A HOPE BOTH SURE AND STEADFAST: asphale te kai bebaian: (Psalms 42:5,11; 43:5; 62:5,6; 146:5,6; Isaiah 12:2; 25:3,4; 28:16; Jeremiah 17:7,8; Romans 4:16; 5:5-10; 8:28-39; 1Corinthians 15:58; 2Timothy 2:19) The idea is that what one hopes for makes him safe and sure or him to be secure and certain. Hope (added by the translators as appropriate to the context) is found represented on coins by an anchor.