THE BIBLOPEDIA
Fathom
Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897) · International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)
THE DICTIONARY — Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897)
(Old A.S. faethm, “bosom,” or the outstretched arms), a span of six feet (Acts 27:28). Gr. orguia (from orego, “I stretch”), the distance between the extremities of both arms fully stretched out.
THE FULL ARTICLE — from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915), general editor James Orr — public domain, printed whole.
fath'-um (~orguia): The literal meaning is the length of the outstretched arms, and it was regarded as equal to 4 cubits, or about 6 feet. (Ac 27:28).
See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.