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

The verse describes the sailors’ realization that they could not save the ship. Driven by desperation, they cut the ropes of the ship's auxiliary boat, letting it drift away, thus abandoning their only chance of escape.

Acts 27 33 Context

Chapter Context: Acts chapter 27 recounts the perilous voyage of the apostle Paul and other prisoners from Caesarea to Rome. Facing a severe storm, the ship is driven off course and battered for many days. Despite Paul's warnings and God's assurance of his safety, the ship is ultimately lost. This verse specifically describes the desperate actions of the sailors as the ship breaks apart, illustrating the complete loss of hope for its preservation.

Historical/Cultural Context: The ship in Acts 27 was a merchant vessel, likely carrying grain. The "boat" mentioned is a smaller boat towed behind the larger ship, used for coming to and going from the larger vessel in calmer waters or when approaching shore. The actions described in this chapter reflect the realities of ancient maritime travel, where severe storms could and often did lead to shipwreck and loss of life and cargo. The passengers would have been acutely aware of the dangers and the limited options for survival in such a dire situation.

Acts 27 33 Word Analysis

• And (Greek: καί - kai): A conjunction, joining clauses and indicating continuation or addition. Here it connects the action of the soldiers to the sailors' intention.
• when (Greek: ὅτε - hote): Indicates a point in time. Marks the opportune moment when the soldiers acted.
• the sailors (Greek: τῶν πλοιάρχων - tōn ploiarchōn): Literally "ship-leaders" or captains. Refers to the experienced seamen responsible for the ship's navigation and operation. Their knowledge dictated the strategy.
• sought (Greek: ἐζήτουν - ezētoun): Implies actively looking for or attempting to achieve something. Here, their pursuit was escape.
• to flee (Greek: διαφυγείν - diaphugein): To escape, to get away safely. It highlights their desire for self-preservation.
• then (Greek: τότε - tote): Denotes sequential action. The soldiers acted at that precise moment of opportunity.
• the soldiers (Greek: οἱ στρατιῶται - hoi stratia): Roman soldiers guarding the prisoners, including Paul. They were likely focused on their duty and order, but also their own survival.
• cut (Greek: κατεάξαντες - kateaxantes): To break, shatter, or cut down. In this context, it signifies severing or breaking the ropes.
• the ropes (Greek: τὰ σχοινία - ta schoinia): The ropes used to attach the small boat to the larger ship.
• of the boat (Greek: τῆς σκάφους - tēs skaphous): Refers to the ship's tender, the small boat.
• and (Greek: καί - kai): Another conjunction linking the action to its consequence.
• let (Greek: ἀφέντες - aphentes): Releasing, letting go, abandoning.
• it (Greek: αὐτὴν - autēn): Refers to the small boat.
• drift (Greek: φορεῖσθαι - phoreisthai): To be carried, to float along, drift away. Implies loss of control and direction.

Word Group Analysis:

• "the sailors sought to flee... the soldiers cut the ropes of the boat and let it drift": This sequence shows a chain of desperate actions. The sailors, realizing the dire situation and the failure of their initial attempts (likely to escape with the boat), initiated a plan for personal escape. The soldiers, present as guards and likely concerned for their own lives, facilitated this by cutting the ropes, thus abandoning the vessel and its remaining occupants. This was an act of self-preservation at the expense of others.

Acts 27 33 Bonus Section

The Greek word for "boat" used here (σκάφος - skaphos) can also refer to a "hull" or "ship." However, in the context of being towed by a larger ship and having its ropes cut, it clearly refers to the ship's smaller auxiliary boat, or "tender." This was a common feature of large vessels in ancient times. The act of cutting the ropes rather than simply pushing the boat away indicates a deliberate severing of their lifeline, ensuring it was completely lost to the sea. This act contrasts sharply with Paul's later urging for everyone to eat and take sustenance, demonstrating his care and faith amidst the crew's despair.

Acts 27 33 Commentary

This verse illustrates a critical moment of crisis where self-interest tragically overrides communal responsibility and hope. The sailors' intent to escape with the small boat signifies their complete despair regarding the ship's survival. The soldiers' action of cutting the ropes effectively sabotages any remaining hope of using the tender, abandoning it to the waves and isolating the main ship. It’s a stark portrayal of how extreme circumstances can reveal the depth of human selfishness, even as Paul's earlier words of reassurance to all on board hang in the balance. The scene highlights the chaotic and desperate measures taken when all rational means of salvation seem lost.