Acts 27 26

Acts 27:26 kjv

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

Acts 27:26 nkjv

However, we must run aground on a certain island."

Acts 27:26 niv

Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island."

Acts 27:26 esv

But we must run aground on some island."

Acts 27:26 nlt

But we will be shipwrecked on an island."

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 26 Meaning

This verse declares the divinely appointed fate for Paul and all on board the imperiled ship. Following an angelic revelation to Paul, it specifies that despite the immediate danger and inevitable destruction of the vessel, their lives would be spared, provided they were cast upon an unmentioned, specific island. The declaration underscores the certainty of God's predetermined plan and the exact means of their deliverance, affirming that what God has ordained "must" come to pass.

Acts 27 26 Context

Acts chapter 27 details Paul's perilous sea voyage as a prisoner being transported to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. The narrative portrays the grim reality of ancient seafaring, exacerbated by poor judgment regarding the timing of the journey, leading the ship into a violent winter storm, the "Euraquilo." Over many days, the ship was relentlessly tossed, leading all aboard to abandon hope of survival (v. 20). It is in this desperate setting that Paul, having received a divine message from an angel, encourages everyone, assuring them that while the ship would be lost, no lives would perish. Verse 26, therefore, follows Paul's report of this angelic prophecy (vv. 23-25), providing a precise detail regarding the method of their escape: the ship must inevitably run aground on a specific, though yet unnamed, island (later revealed as Malta in Acts 28:1). This reinforces God's meticulous providence and sovereignty even amidst chaos, directly countering the despair that had gripped the sailors and soldiers. Historically, such shipwrecks were common in the Mediterranean, but this one is presented as divinely orchestrated, setting the stage for Paul's mission even in a place of shipwreck.

Acts 27 26 Word analysis

• But (δὲ - de): This conjunction contrasts the previous despair with Paul's divinely revealed certainty. It signals a shift from human estimation of their plight to God's decree.
• we (ἡμᾶς - hēmas): This accusative plural pronoun includes all 276 souls on board, signifying the collective destiny of everyone, ensured by God's will.
• must (ἀνάγκη - anankē): This potent word, meaning "necessity" or "it is necessary," conveys an absolute, divine imperative. The shipwreck is not accidental but divinely ordained as the precise means for their salvation, elevating the event beyond mere chance.
• run aground (ἐκπεσεῖν - ekpesein): The infinitive of ekpiptō, meaning "to be cast ashore" or "to be wrecked." It describes the ship's violent and uncontrollable end, striking land not by skilled navigation, but by the storm's force, as the only means of salvation.
• on (ἐπί - epi): This preposition indicates the precise location or target surface onto which the ship would be driven, underscoring the destructive yet precise destination.
• a certain (τινα - tina): The indefinite pronoun, meaning "some" or "a certain one." At this point, the specific island is not revealed, adding mystery while assuring its definitive existence in God's plan.
• island (νῆσον - nēson): This noun identifies the specific type of landform where their ship would end, offering immediate refuge after the shipwreck.
• "But we must": This phrase immediately establishes divine control and unwavering certainty. "We" brings everyone into this destiny, and "must" removes any possibility of deviation, highlighting God's predetermined plan over human fear and lack of control.
• "run aground on a certain island": This describes the specific, divinely ordained event for their deliverance. The act of "running aground" appears calamitous, yet it is presented as the very mechanism for salvation, demonstrating God's use of destructive means to achieve redemptive ends. The "certain island" signifies a precise, though then unnamed, destination for this appointed outcome, reinforcing the precision of God's foreknowledge.

Acts 27 26 Bonus section

• The use of anankē here directly connects the shipwreck to other biblically "necessary" occurrences in God's plan, such as Christ's suffering (Luke 24:26) or Paul's evangelistic mission (1 Cor 9:16), underscoring a consistent theme of God's sovereign ordination.
• This shipwreck, though leading to loss of property, became a direct path for Paul to continue his ministry, ultimately reaching Rome. It demonstrates that no natural or human obstacle can thwart God's ultimate will for His servants (Acts 23:11).
• The island being "certain" yet "unnamed" (later identified as Malta in Acts 28:1) maintains narrative tension while subtly reflecting God's complete knowledge; He knows the specifics even if His servants or audience do not yet. This builds anticipation and further validates Paul's prophetic message upon fulfillment.

Acts 27 26 Commentary

Acts 27:26 delivers the crucial detail of the salvation Paul promised. It shifts from general assurance to specific prophecy: they must (ἀνάγκη) crash their ship onto a particular island. This "must" reveals God's sovereign will, which dictates the unfolding of events, even cataclysmic ones. This was not a mere prediction but a direct revelation from God, emphasizing His meticulous providence over natural forces and human destiny. The seemingly destructive act of shipwreck becomes the very means of saving 276 lives, illustrating God's ability to repurpose hardship for His divine purpose and the good of His servants. This declaration also strengthens Paul's prophetic authority, which would be validated when the events literally transpired.