Acts 27 10

Acts 27:10 kjv

And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

Acts 27:10 nkjv

saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives."

Acts 27:10 niv

"Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also."

Acts 27:10 esv

saying, "Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives."

Acts 27:10 nlt

"Men," he said, "I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on ? shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well."

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 10 Meaning

Paul, guided by an inner perception that extends beyond mere observation, issued a solemn warning to the ship's leadership. He foresaw that continuing the sea voyage from Fair Havens would result in severe and violent damage, causing substantial loss not only to the ship's valuable cargo and the vessel itself but also posing a dire threat to the lives of all on board.

Acts 27 10 Context

Acts chapter 27 details Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner, during which they encountered significant maritime dangers. Prior to verse 10, the ship, after much difficulty, arrived at Fair Havens, a harbor in Crete. Due to the late season (marked by the passing of the Day of Atonement in verse 9), sailing had become perilous, and Fair Havens was an inadequate port for wintering. The majority on board, including the ship's captain and owner, decided to attempt reaching Phoenix, a more suitable harbor, despite the inherent risks of sailing in autumn. It is within this discussion about the hazardous continuation of the voyage that Paul, a prisoner with no maritime authority, delivers this sober warning based on his spiritual discernment.

Acts 27 10 Word analysis

• and said to them: Identifies Paul as the speaker, addressing those in decision-making roles regarding the voyage—likely the centurion Julius, the pilot, and the shipowner (referenced in the surrounding verses).
• 'Men: A direct but general address, recognizing the human authority and presence of his listeners.
• I perceive: Greek theōrō (θεωρῶ). This word implies more than simple physical seeing or observation. It denotes a deep, comprehensive understanding or contemplation, often suggesting insight, mental discernment, or even a spiritual perception of the situation rather than merely a human judgment based on experience.
• that this voyage: Specifically refers to the intended continuation of the sea journey from Fair Havens, not the entire journey to Rome.
• will be: Greek mellein (μέλλειν). Expresses a strong likelihood or inevitability of a future event. Paul's statement isn't a mere suggestion but a confident declaration of what is destined to occur.
• with injury: Greek hybreōs (ὕβρεως). This is a strong term. While it can mean "damage" or "harm" in this context, it carries a broader connotation of "outrage," "violent damage," "insolence," or even "disgrace." It implies damage that is aggressive, severe, and possibly reflects a violation of wisdom.
• and much loss: Greek polles zemia (πολλῆς ζημίας). Zemia denotes damage, detriment, or a penalty resulting in material deprivation. "Much" emphasizes the great extent of the coming calamity.
• not only of the cargo: Greek phortiou (φορτίου). Refers to the freight or commercial goods being transported, which represents significant economic value.
• and the ship: Greek ploiou (πλοίου). The vessel itself, essential for travel and a major financial asset.
• but also of our lives: Greek psychōn (ψυχῶν). Translates to "souls" or "lives," indicating personal survival and well-being. This elevates the warning from material loss to the ultimate cost of human life, making the potential disaster far more grievous.

Acts 27 10 Bonus section

• Paul's warning here positions him as a figure of prophetic discernment, a consistent characteristic throughout the book of Acts where apostles and disciples often speak with divine authority. This validates his leadership, even though he is under Roman custody, underscoring that true authority emanates from God.
• The dramatic irony is significant: a prisoner warns his captors and those with maritime experience of an impending disaster they are unable to foresee. This mirrors a broader biblical theme where divine wisdom, often conveyed through humble messengers, transcends worldly wisdom and authority.
• While Paul warns of the loss of "lives" in this verse, God later reassures him that no one will perish (Acts 27:24). This illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine warning, human choices, and God's sovereign grace and mercy, particularly in preserving His servants. The initial warning serves as a consequence of choosing a dangerous path, which God's subsequent intervention modifies due to Paul's presence.

Acts 27 10 Commentary

Acts 27:10 highlights Paul's extraordinary insight, distinct from human maritime expertise. His "perception" was likely a divinely imparted warning, intended to avert a catastrophe that was imminent due to human stubbornness and reliance on worldly experience over spiritual discernment. While he possessed no nautical credentials, his spiritual authority enabled him to foresee consequences that seasoned sailors and the centurion, valuing their judgment over a prisoner's counsel, disregarded. The stark prediction of "injury and much loss," culminating in the threat to "our lives," emphasizes the gravity of the impending disaster and the ultimate value God places on human life above material wealth. This moment serves as a pre-cursor to Paul's significant role in leading and saving everyone on board during the subsequent shipwreck, despite his status as a captive.