Acts 27 38

Acts 27:38 kjv

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

Acts 27:38 nkjv

So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.

Acts 27:38 niv

When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

Acts 27:38 esv

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

Acts 27:38 nlt

After eating, the crew lightened the ship further by throwing the cargo of wheat overboard.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 38 Meaning

After sustaining themselves with food, those aboard the ship took a definitive step to improve their chances of survival by making the vessel lighter. This involved intentionally discarding the remaining valuable cargo, which was wheat, into the turbulent sea, signifying a full commitment to preserve lives over material possessions. This action, following a divine promise of safety, was a necessary human endeavor to cooperate with God's provision for deliverance from the storm.

Acts 27 38 Context

Acts chapter 27 describes Paul's perilous journey as a prisoner to Rome. After a long and dangerous voyage, the ship encounters a violent northeast wind called the "Euraquilo." Despite Paul's earlier warnings, the crew tried to press on, but the storm worsened, leading to immense distress. Over many days, they jettisoned cargo, tackle, and anything else to lighten the ship (Acts 27:18-19). Amidst this crisis, Paul receives an angelic vision confirming that all lives on board would be saved, though the ship would be lost (Acts 27:23-24). He then encourages everyone to eat for strength, assuring them of God's promise of survival. Verse 38 directly follows this meal and depicts the final, desperate, yet strategically crucial act of discarding the remaining and most valuable cargo – wheat – to lighten the ship as much as possible, preparing it for beaching on an unknown shore. Historically, wheat was a primary food staple and a major commercial cargo, making its disposal a significant financial loss, but a vital decision for survival.

Acts 27 38 Word analysis

• And when they had eaten enough (Greek: Kai koresθentes trofēs)
  • And (Greek: Kai): Connects this action directly to the preceding one, the meal. It implies continuity and purpose.
  • when they had eaten enough (Greek: koresθentes): Derived from koreo, meaning "to satisfy," "to satiate." It implies they had a full, substantial meal, not just a meager portion. This follows Paul's explicit encouragement in verse 34 for everyone to eat and regain strength, highlighting the wisdom of his counsel and the physical preparation for the strenuous tasks ahead.
  • food (Greek: trofēs): General term for sustenance. This whole phrase underscores that after physical replenishment and spiritual reassurance from Paul, the men were now able to take decisive physical action. This is significant because, for days prior, they had no appetite.
• they lightened the ship (Greek: ekoufizon to ploion)
  • they lightened (Greek: ekoufizon): Imperfect active tense of ekouphizo, meaning "to make light," "to unburden." The imperfect tense suggests a continuous or repeated action, emphasizing their deliberate and focused effort to reduce the ship's weight further. This action was crucial for preventing the ship from foundering and increasing its chances of reaching the shore without being broken apart by the waves.
  • the ship (Greek: to ploion): Refers to the Alexandrian ship carrying them and its vital cargo.
• and threw out the wheat into the sea. (Greek: ekballontes ton siton eis tēn thalassan)
  • and threw out (Greek: ekballontes): Present active participle of ekballo, meaning "to cast out," "to throw away," "to drive out." Used as a simultaneous or consequent action, it details how they lightened the ship. This term often carries a sense of forceful or decisive removal, indicative of the extreme circumstances.
  • the wheat (Greek: ton siton): The primary and most valuable commercial cargo of the ship. Disposing of it was a profound financial sacrifice for the ship's owners and crew, indicating their ultimate surrender of all earthly gain for the sake of preserving life. Its weight was substantial, making its removal essential for flotation in shallow, turbulent waters.
  • into the sea (Greek: eis tēn thalassan): The final resting place for their former means of profit and security. It signifies an irreversible action of letting go.
• Words-group by words-group analysis
  • "And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship": This sequence of actions demonstrates the practical application of Paul's counsel (eating to gain strength) followed by decisive human effort (lightened the ship). It shows the interplay between divine assurance and human responsibility. The meal provided not just physical energy, but also renewed hope and purpose for action after days of despair.
  • "they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea": This combination highlights a crucial decision point. They had already discarded much (tackle, gear in vv. 18-19), but this was the primary commodity, signifying an all-in commitment to survival. The commercial purpose of the ship (carrying wheat from Alexandria to Rome) was entirely abandoned, showing that life had become the sole priority above all economic concerns.

Acts 27 38 Bonus section

• The detail concerning the disposal of ton siton (wheat) highlights Luke's careful recording and accurate understanding of seafaring trade. Alexandria was renowned as the granary of Rome, and ships carrying such vital provisions were common.
• This act can be seen as a parallel to spiritual disciplines, where one must "lighten the load" of worldly attachments or concerns to navigate spiritual storms and fully depend on God's grace for passage through trials. It's a metaphorical stripping away of distractions and trust in a greater purpose than earthly gain.

Acts 27 38 Commentary

Acts 27:38 portrays a pivotal moment of human effort amidst divine providence. After Paul's encouraging meal, which restored strength and hope to the despondent travelers, their next action was profoundly practical yet sacrificial. Discarding the wheat, the very commodity the ship was transporting for profit, represents an ultimate surrender of earthly wealth for the preservation of life. This act followed earlier efforts to lighten the ship but specifically targeted its most significant payload. It underlines the desperate reality of their situation – every ounce of weight mattered for the ship to float high enough to attempt a beaching in shallow water. This human ingenuity and sacrifice, empowered by Paul's spiritual guidance, were the necessary components that allowed God's promise of their survival to be actualized. It illustrates the biblical principle that God often provides through human means and wisdom, calling for our responsible action in times of crisis even after a divine assurance.