Originally denoting the length of a person's outstretched arms (about six feet), this became a standard nautical measure equivalent to one fathom. Classical sources define it precisely: one hundred orguiai equal one stade when measured at six feet per orguia. In Acts 27:28, sailors on Paul's storm-tossed ship take soundings and find 'twenty fathoms' then 'fifteen fathoms,' indicating they're approaching land. The term belongs to the world of ancient seafaring and measurement.