Acts 27 40

Acts 27:40 kjv

And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

Acts 27:40 nkjv

And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore.

Acts 27:40 niv

Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach.

Acts 27:40 esv

So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach.

Acts 27:40 nlt

So they cut off the anchors and left them in the sea. Then they lowered the rudders, raised the foresail, and headed toward shore.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 40 Meaning

This verse describes the immediate aftermath of a shipwreck, where Paul and his companions, who were tossed into the sea, were all brought safely to land. It signifies God's protection and deliverance of Paul and everyone on the ship through a perilous situation.

Acts 27 40 Context

The shipwreck occurred off the coast of Malta during a severe storm. Paul, a prisoner on his way to Rome, had previously warned the centurion and the sailors about the dangers of continuing their voyage (Acts 27:9-11). Despite his counsel, they ignored him and set sail, only to be caught in the tempest. For fourteen days and nights, they were driven adrift, and the ship's company despaired of life. This verse marks the culmination of that ordeal, where divine intervention ensured that despite the destruction of the ship, every life on board was preserved. The landing on this unknown island (Melita, modern-day Malta) was unexpected but providential.

Acts 27 40 Word Analysis

• Καὶ (Kai): And. A common conjunction, connecting this verse to the preceding narrative of the storm and the decision to steer toward land.
• δὲ (de): But. Another conjunction, here implying a contrast or sequence of events following the general attempt to reach the shore.
• λοιποὶ (Lips'): The remaining. Referring to the people on board who were not among the initial ones described.
• ἢ (ē): Or.
• ἐπὶ (epi): Upon / on.
• σανίδων (sanídōn): Planks / boards. Referring to pieces of the ship's wreckage used for flotation.
• ἢ (ē): Or.
• καὶ (kai): And.
• τῶν (tōn): Of the.
• κομματιῶν (kommatiōn): Pieces / fragments. Indicating the broken remains of the ship.
• τῆς (tēs): Of the.
• νεὼς (neōs): Ship. (Though sometimes rendered as 'vessel', in this context 'ship' is precise).
• οὕτως (houtōs): Thus / so.
• γίνεταί (ginetai): It happens / it comes to pass. Indicating the manner in which the salvation occurred.
• ἀσφαλῆ (asphalē): Safe / securely. The state of their arrival, indicating a lack of harm.
• πάντας (pantas): All. Emphasizing the complete preservation of every individual.
• τὸ (to): The.
• πλεῖστον (pleiston): Most / greater part. A nuance here. While "all" came safely, it might imply that the "most" or the "greater part" were brought to safety through specific means (planks/fragments), while others might have arrived less clearly but still safely. However, the direct preceding clause states "all came safely to shore", suggesting "pleiston" refers to the bulk of them being saved via these specific methods rather than an exception. The emphasis is on total survival.
• εἰς (eis): Into / to.
• τὴν (tēn): The.
• γῆν (gēn): Land / shore. The destination.

Group of words analysis: "καὶ τοὺς λοιποὺς ἢ ἐπὶ σανίδων ἢ ἐπὶ κομματιῶν τῆς νεὼς, οὕτως γίνεταί τινας ἀσφαλῆ πάντας τὸ πλεῖστον εἰς τὴν γῆν" - This entire phrase describes the how of their salvation. It shows the improvised means of survival: using whatever pieces of the shattered ship remained (planks or other fragments) to get to shore, illustrating that their safety was not due to a continued seaworthy vessel, but a desperate, final effort aided by divine providence.

Acts 27 40 Bonus Section

The emphasis on "all" coming safely underscores a significant theme of divine protection over the entire company, not just Paul. This echoes promises where the wicked may perish, but the righteous, even if caught in calamities, are kept safe (Psalm 91). The brokenness of the ship itself could be seen as a symbolic representation of the brokenness of the world and humanity, yet through broken pieces, God brings forth wholeness and salvation. The chapter and verse conclude the narrative of the sea voyage and serve as a stepping stone for Paul's continued ministry in Rome, illustrating that God's timing and plan for His servants are unwavering.

Acts 27 40 Commentary

The deliverance of Paul and his companions was a demonstration of God's faithfulness amidst immense tribulation. Despite the violent storm that destroyed the ship, every soul aboard was preserved. This wasn't a casual survival; it was a miraculous outcome engineered by God's power and wisdom. The description of them reaching land "on planks or on broken pieces of the ship" underscores the complete devastation of their vessel and the precariousness of their survival. Paul's prior prophetic warnings and his presence with them were part of God's plan to ensure their safety. This event reinforces the biblical principle that God works His will through all circumstances, even those that appear disastrous, to protect and advance His purposes through His servants like Paul. The journey to Rome was ultimately fulfilled.