The only instance of this measurement is found in Acts 27:28, where by successive soundings a depth of 20 and 15 fathoms is obtained. The word employed (ὀργυιά; cf. Herod, ii. 149. 4) denotes the length from finger tip to finger tip of the outstretched arms, measuring across the breast. In tables of length it appears = 4 cubits = 6 feet. The actual measurement thus depends on the length of the cubit or foot. According to recent authorities, the Roman-Attic ft. is given as equivalent to 971 English ft., which yields 70 in. (approximately) as the length of the fathom. This is slightly under our present-day measure of 6 feet. For the fathom of Julian of Ascalon (74. 49 in.) see Encyclopaedia Biblica , article ‘Weights and Measures.’
W. Cruickshank.