Acts 27 39

Acts 27:39 kjv

And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

Acts 27:39 nkjv

When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible.

Acts 27:39 niv

When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could.

Acts 27:39 esv

Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore.

Acts 27:39 nlt

When morning dawned, they didn't recognize the coastline, but they saw a bay with a beach and wondered if they could get to shore by running the ship aground.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 39 Meaning

Acts 27:39 describes the crucial moment after many days of storm, when the sailors aboard the ship carrying Paul, finally perceive land as day breaks. Despite their inability to recognize the specific location, they observed a suitable bay or inlet with a beach, and it became their firm intention to maneuver the ship into this area to achieve a safe landing and ideally preserve the vessel itself, if such a controlled grounding were at all feasible given the severe conditions. This verse highlights both human ingenuity and desperation in the face of an ongoing peril, coupled with the subtle unfolding of God's promise of safety amidst the storm.

Acts 27 39 Context

Acts chapter 27 details Paul's perilous sea voyage as a prisoner to Rome. After a delayed start and ignoring Paul's warnings against sailing further (v. 9-11), the ship is caught in a fierce, prolonged storm called the "Euroclydon" (v. 14). For days, they are tossed by the tempest, losing hope, throwing cargo and equipment overboard (v. 18-20). In the midst of this despair, Paul, having received a divine revelation, assures everyone that no lives will be lost, though the ship will be wrecked on an island (v. 22-26). As the chapter progresses, they discover they are nearing land, take soundings, and fear being dashed against rocks (v. 27-29). They drop four anchors, longing for day (v. 29). Paul urges them to eat to gain strength (v. 33-38). Verse 39 then picks up at dawn, describing their initial disorientation upon seeing the unfamiliar land, and their immediate, decisive action to find a suitable spot to attempt a landing. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic and miraculous shipwreck that follows, fulfilling God's word through Paul.

Acts 27 39 Word analysis

• And when it was day (Γενομένης δὲ ἡμέρας, Genomenēs de hēmeras):

  • And: Links to the preceding narrative of waiting for dawn.
  • when it was day: Marks a turning point after the long, dark, and anxious night (v. 29). It signifies the lifting of absolute darkness and potential new hope.

• they knew not the land (τὴν γῆν οὐκ ἐπεγίνωσκον, tēn gēn ouk epeginōskon):

  • they knew not (οὐκ ἐπεγίνωσκον, ouk epeginōskon): From epiginōskō, meaning 'to fully recognize,' 'to acknowledge clearly,' 'to discern thoroughly.' The imperfect tense implies an ongoing inability or a continued failure to recognize, rather than just a moment of ignorance. This emphasizes their utter disorientation despite being seasoned sailors; they couldn't identify any known coastline. This state of unknowing amplifies the subsequent 'discovery.'
  • the land: Refers to the specific island coast now visible. Their lack of recognition underscores the foreign and unexpected nature of their destination, reinforcing the prophecy of being driven onto an unknown island (Acts 27:26).

• but they discovered (κόλπον δέ τινα κατενόουν, kolpon de tina katenooun):

  • but: Signals a change from their lack of recognition to an active perception.
  • they discovered (κατενόουν, katenooun): From katanoeō, meaning 'to perceive clearly,' 'to observe attentively,' 'to grasp by close consideration.' The imperfect tense suggests a careful, focused observation or sustained attention. It implies not a casual glance but a desperate and skilled assessment of the terrain for a potential landing.

• a certain creek (κόλπον δέ τινα, kolpon de tina):

  • certain: Emphasizes its particular, specific nature, rather than just any coastline.
  • creek (κόλπον, kolpon): Can mean a 'gulf,' 'bay,' or 'cove.' A natural indentation in the coastline offering some shelter, crucial for a ship in distress. This was not merely open coast but a distinctive feature identified as a potential landing spot.

• with a shore (ἔχοντα αἰγιαλόν, echonta aigialon):

  • with a shore (αἰγιαλόν, aigialon): Specifically denotes a 'beach' or 'sandy coast,' as opposed to a rocky or cliff-lined shore. This detail is vital; a beach provides a safer surface for running a ship aground than treacherous rocks, increasing the chances of survival for the crew and potential salvage of the vessel.

• into the which they were purposed (εἰς ὃν ἐβούλοντο, eis hon eboulonto):

  • they were purposed (ἐβούλοντο, eboulonto): From boulomai, meaning 'to will,' 'to wish,' 'to intend,' 'to determine.' The imperfect tense signifies a strong, settled intention or a determined resolve that was taking shape in their minds, indicative of the high stakes involved. This was their chosen strategy.

• if it were possible (εἰ δύναιντο, ei dynainto):

  • if it were possible (εἰ δύναιντο, ei dynainto): From dynamai, meaning 'to be able,' 'to have the power/strength.' This conditional clause expresses a strong degree of uncertainty, reflecting the immense difficulty and peril of their situation. Despite their firm purpose, they acknowledged the severe limitations and potential for failure due to the storm's continued effects and the damaged ship. It tempers their resolve with realistic caution.

• to thrust in the ship (ἐκσῶσαι τὸ πλοῖον, eksōsai to ploion):

  • to thrust in (ἐκσῶσαι, eksōsai): This specific verb comes from eksōzō, meaning 'to save completely,' 'to preserve from danger,' 'to deliver safely out of.' The KJV rendering "thrust in" implies forcefully driving the ship onto the beach. However, the Greek word more accurately suggests an attempt to save the ship by skillfully running it ashore in a controlled manner, so as to preserve it, or at least facilitate the survival of its occupants and the retrieval of cargo. It indicates a hopeful and strategic effort for preservation rather than just abandonment.
  • the ship: The vessel itself, which they hoped to preserve through this difficult maneuver.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And when it was day, they knew not the land": This phrase dramatically juxtaposes the coming of light with a continuing state of bewilderment. Daylight reveals land, but the sailors, despite their expertise, are completely disoriented as to their exact location, underscoring their lost-at-sea condition and the unexpected nature of their deliverance.
  • "but they discovered a certain creek with a shore": This pivotal turning point shifts from uncertainty to focused observation and a glimmer of hope. The discovery of a specific geological feature – a sheltered bay with a beach – signals a concrete opportunity for a landing, demonstrating the crew's experienced seamanship and sharp assessment under pressure.
  • "into the which they were purposed, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship": This reveals their determined, yet cautiously realistic, plan. They had a clear intention to navigate towards this specific safe spot. The qualifying "if it were possible" highlights the perilous conditions, suggesting the difficult balance between human effort, skill, and the overwhelming forces of nature, all ultimately under God's control. Their purpose was not merely to escape death but to achieve a landing that, if possible, preserved the ship itself, indicating professional resourcefulness even amidst despair.

Acts 27 39 Bonus section

The detailed observation by the sailors of "a certain creek with a shore" hints at a specific, advantageous geological feature. Melite (modern Malta), the traditional site of this shipwreck, indeed possesses such inlets, particularly St. Paul's Bay, with sandy beaches conducive to such a landing. The specific description of the geographical features, like "creek" (κόλπος) and "shore" (αἰγιαλός), suggests Luke's firsthand account or access to one, as he was with Paul. The phrase "if it were possible" (εἰ δύναιντο) underscores that despite 14 days of divine promise of no lives lost, the physical act of landing was still perceived as incredibly risky by the professional sailors, who were navigating a damaged ship against wind and current, and demonstrating that human and natural processes were still very much at play, even within God's larger plan. The subsequent verses (Acts 27:40-41) directly show how they executed this dangerous plan, confirming their initial intention to beach the ship as their last resort for survival.

Acts 27 39 Commentary

Acts 27:39 functions as a pivotal moment in the shipwreck narrative, detailing the immediate actions and intentions of the sailors after their desperate night. It illustrates the interface between human planning and divine orchestration. While Paul had already assured them of safety (v. 22-26), these sailors, though perhaps informed of the prophecy, respond with their practical, seasoned maritime skills. Their "not knowing the land" underscores their utter displacement, yet their "discovery" of a "creek with a shore" reveals their acute observation and resourcefulness under pressure. The description of this spot – a creek providing shelter and a sandy shore for landing – suggests a providential provision, even if not explicitly stated as miraculous. Their "purpose" to "thrust in the ship" (more accurately, "to save the ship" by running it aground carefully) demonstrates their deep commitment to preserving not just lives, but also the valuable vessel and its cargo, an ultimate test of their navigational prowess in extreme conditions. The "if it were possible" caveat is a raw admission of the formidable challenge, acknowledging their limited control against the elements. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic, and ultimately successful, attempt at a controlled shipwreck, bringing Paul's prophecy one step closer to fulfillment through human means and God's sustaining hand.

• Example for practical usage: Just as the sailors, after receiving Paul's prophecy, diligently looked for a way to achieve their deliverance, so too believers are called to exercise wisdom and skill in their circumstances, even when they know God has promised an outcome. Divine providence does not negate human responsibility or effort; rather, it often works through them.