Acts 27 28

Acts 27:28 kjv

And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

Acts 27:28 nkjv

And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms.

Acts 27:28 niv

They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep.

Acts 27:28 esv

So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.

Acts 27:28 nlt

They dropped a weighted line and found that the water was 120 feet deep. But a little later they measured again and found it was only 90 feet deep.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 28 Meaning

The verse speaks of the deep fear and sorrow experienced by those present on the ship during the intense storm. It describes them as not eating for a long time due to this overwhelming dread.

Acts 27 28 Context

This verse occurs during a severe storm at sea that imperils the lives of everyone on board Paul's ship. They have been journeying towards Rome. The storm has raged for many days, making normal life impossible. They have tossed excess cargo overboard and are now facing the immediate threat of shipwreck and drowning. The people are desperate and have lost hope of survival, consequently losing their appetite. Paul, however, continues to be a source of encouragement and calm amidst the chaos.

Acts 27 28 Word analysis

• But: Connects this verse to the previous, highlighting the contrast between the imminent danger and the state of the people's well-being or their response.
• now: Indicates a current, specific moment in time during the ordeal.
• when: Introduces a condition or the duration of a period.
• day: Refers to daylight or the passing of a day.
• was: State of being, linking the preceding event or condition to its outcome.
• about: Nearly; close to.
• to: Direction or purpose.
• dawn: The first appearance of light in the sky before the sun rises.
• Paul: The Apostle Paul, central figure of Acts, known for his faith and resilience.
• urged: To strongly encourage or recommend.
• them: The people on the ship with Paul.
• all: Every single person.
• to: Direction or purpose.
• take: To receive or consume.
• some: An unspecified amount or quantity.
• food: Nourishment; sustenance.
• and: Connects two clauses or ideas.
• take: To receive or consume.
• your: Possessive pronoun referring to "them all".
• up: Indicates completion or cessation.
• refreshment: Revival, restoration of strength.
• for: Indicates the reason or purpose.
• neither: Negative conjunction used with "nor" or by itself.
• shipwreck: Destruction by sinking or breaking up on rocks or shallows.
• nor: Negative conjunction.
• loss: The state of being deprived of something.
• of: Indicates possession, origin, or relation.
• life: Existence; being.
• had: Past tense of "have"; indicating possession or state.
• been: Past participle of "be"; used with auxiliary verbs.
• any: Used in negative sentences to indicate "even a small amount".
• of: Indicates possession or relation.
• you: Plural pronoun.

Phrase/Passage Analysis:

• "when day was about to dawn": This phrase marks a temporal transition, signaling the approach of morning and a potential turning point after a long night of suffering and fear. It signifies a time when visibility would improve, allowing for assessment of their dire situation.
• "Paul urged them all to take some food, and to take their refreshment.": This shows Paul's proactive leadership and deep care for the physical well-being of the crew and passengers, even in the face of impending doom. His urging implies they were hesitant or perhaps too overwhelmed to act for themselves. The dual mention of "food" and "refreshment" emphasizes the need for sustenance and a restoration of spirit.
• "for neither shipwreck nor loss of life had been any of you": This is a crucial assurance from Paul. Despite the violent storm and the visible damage, Paul makes a prophetic declaration that their immediate peril from shipwreck or death has been averted thus far. The grammar implies a reassurance about what has not happened yet and the outcome of the voyage as dictated by God's plan through him.

Acts 27 28 Bonus Section

The fear of death was a palpable reality for ancient mariners. Stories and superstitions surrounding sea voyages were common, and a severe storm would invoke the gravest anxieties. Paul's calmness and assurance in the face of such peril would have been extraordinary. His reliance on divine instruction over human observation directly points to his unwavering faith, a testament to the power of God to sustain believers even in the most harrowing situations. The statement "neither shipwreck nor loss of life had been any of you" functions as a prophetic promise that, while the immediate storm might continue or the ship may indeed be lost, the lives aboard would be preserved. This aligns with God's sovereign plan and promises to Paul as seen in Acts 27:24.

Acts 27 28 Commentary

Despite the terrifying storm that had raged for days, as morning approached, Paul took the initiative to rally the desperate people on the ship. He encouraged them to eat, knowing that their bodies were weak from fear and prolonged fasting. His assurance was not based on optimism about the weather, but on divine revelation: God had shown him that their lives would be spared, though the ship itself would be lost. This statement provided vital hope amidst their extreme circumstances, shifting their focus from inevitable destruction to the possibility of survival, contingent on their obedience to his word.