Acts 27 33

Acts 27:33 kjv

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

Acts 27:33 nkjv

And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing.

Acts 27:33 niv

Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. "For the last fourteen days," he said, "you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food?you haven't eaten anything.

Acts 27:33 esv

As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing.

Acts 27:33 nlt

Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. "You have been so worried that you haven't touched food for two weeks," he said.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 33 Meaning

Paul urges everyone on board the storm-battered ship to eat, reminding them that for fourteen relentless days they have been under immense strain and deprived of proper food due to their harrowing ordeal. He understands that this critical nourishment is vital for their strength and survival as they face the imminent dangers, thus fulfilling his role as a compassionate leader acting under divine providence.

Acts 27 33 Context

Acts chapter 27 details the harrowing sea voyage of Paul, bound for Rome as a prisoner. The narrative highlights the intense, prolonged storm known as the "Euroclydon," which buffeted their ship uncontrollably for many days. This terrifying ordeal instilled deep despair and physical exhaustion among all 276 individuals on board, including the crew, soldiers, and fellow prisoners. For a grueling fourteen days, they had struggled relentlessly, facing constant fear, severe seasickness, and strenuous labor like jettisoning cargo. The "fasting" mentioned is not a religious observance but a consequence of these dire circumstances – no one could prepare or consume proper meals. Earlier in the storm, Paul had received a direct assurance from an angel that all lives would be saved and he would reach Rome (Acts 27:23-25). Empowered by this divine revelation, Paul now steps forward to address the despondent group. His exhortation to eat serves as a crucial act of leadership, marrying faith in God's promise with practical, life-saving wisdom. Eating would restore the physical strength absolutely essential for their impending challenge: the shipwreck and survival efforts.

Acts 27 33 Word analysis

• And while the day was coming on (καὶ ἄχρι οὗ ἔμελλεν ἡμέρα γίνεσθαι - kai achri hou emellen hēmera ginesthai): This precise temporal marker, signifying dawn, suggests a natural psychological shift. After two weeks of dark, stormy nights and hopelessness, the emerging light of day symbolized a glimmer of hope or a moment for clear-headed action.
• Paul (ὁ Παῦλος - ho Paulos): Though a Roman prisoner, Paul's actions here define him as a spiritual leader and a vessel of divine wisdom. His faith-driven calm in chaos gives him a unique authority that surpasses his social status on the ship.
• exhorted (παρεκάλει - parekalei): From παρακαλέω (parakaleō), meaning "to call alongside," "to appeal to," "to comfort," or "to encourage." This highlights Paul’s approach as one of gentle, compassionate persuasion and care, not a harsh command.
• them all (ἅπαντας - hapantas): Paul's concern extends universally to every person on the ship, regardless of their role or standing, emphasizing the unity of their shared crisis and the comprehensive nature of his compassion.
• to take meat (μεταλαβεῖν τροφῆς - metalabein trophēs): Trophē broadly means "nourishment" or "food," rather than exclusively animal "meat." It refers to substantial provisions necessary for health and strength, counteracting their long deprivation.
• saying (λέγων - legōn): Introduces Paul's direct, compelling words, providing a personal and authoritative appeal.
• This day is the fourteenth day (Σήμερον ἡμέραν τεσσαρεσκαιδεκάτην - Sēmeron hēmeran tessareskaidekatēn): The exact number "fourteen" underscores the prolonged and extraordinary nature of their suffering, providing the context for their extreme exhaustion and desperation. It emphasizes the credibility of Paul's observation of their condition.
• that ye have tarried and continued fasting (προσδοκῶντες διατελεῖτε καὶ ἐν ἀσιτίᾳ διατελεῖτε - prosdokōntes diateleite kai en asitia diateleite): The phrase προσδοκῶντες (prosdokōntes) means "waiting in suspense" or "expecting," linking their mental state of anxious waiting to their physical condition. Διατελεῖτε (diateleite) denotes a continuous state, highlighting the duration of their suffering. Ἀσιτίᾳ (asitia) literally means "without food" or "abstinence from food," indicating an involuntary deprivation caused by the severe conditions and terror, rather than a spiritual fast. They lacked both appetite and opportunity to eat.
• having taken nothing (μηδὲν προσλαβόμενοι - mēden proslabomenoi): This intensifies the description of their hunger, emphasizing an almost complete absence of any replenishing intake for this extended period. It underscores the severity of their physical decline.

Acts 27 33 Bonus section

The use of ἀσιτίᾳ (asitia) to describe their condition implies more than simple lack of food; it suggests an involuntary refusal or inability to eat, likely due to acute seasickness, constant fear, and utter exhaustion. This paints a vivid picture of their severe debilitation. Paul's subsequent action in Acts 27:35-36, where he takes bread, gives thanks to God, and breaks it, not only serves as an example but also transforms the simple act of eating into a communal act of faith and a symbolic 'meal of hope.' It re-establishes order and encourages them to trust in God’s provision, aligning physical action with spiritual conviction, and ultimately fortifying them for the imminent peril and the strenuous effort of swimming to shore. This event showcases Paul's deep pastoral concern and his practical application of spiritual truth to daily, life-threatening situations.

Acts 27 33 Commentary

Acts 27:33 presents a profound intersection of faith, leadership, and human practicalities in the face of extremity. Paul, operating not merely as a passenger but as God's instrument, provides essential encouragement following a divine assurance of salvation. For two weeks, terror and continuous labor had left everyone on board severely malnourished. Paul’s appeal is strategically timed at daybreak, a moment ripe for a shift from despair to decisive action. It is not just a call to eat, but a call to actively participate in God's plan for their survival by regaining the physical strength vital for the ensuing shipwreck and escape. This moment illustrates that true faith often manifests in practical wisdom and compassionate leadership, ensuring that while spiritual truths provide hope, physical well-being is a necessary foundation for enduring and acting upon that hope. Paul's act models that caring for physical needs is an integral part of holistic ministry and preparing individuals to receive divine deliverance.