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

Acts 27:40 describes a series of rapid and coordinated nautical maneuvers undertaken by the ship's crew in a desperate attempt to beach the vessel safely during a severe storm. Facing imminent destruction on shoals, they released or cut away the anchors, unfastened the ropes that secured the rudders to regain steerage, and hoisted the foresail to catch the prevailing wind. These actions were calculated to drive the ship toward a perceived sandy beach, representing their final hope for survival.

Acts 27 40 Context

Acts chapter 27 details the perilous voyage of Paul, as a prisoner, from Caesarea to Rome. The ship encounters a powerful and sustained tempest known as the "Euraquilo" or northeaster. For days, the crew and passengers endure extreme conditions, losing all hope as the ship is tossed helplessly. Paul, despite being a prisoner, becomes a leader by relaying a divine assurance that while the ship would be lost, no lives would perish. The verse directly follows the crucial decision to "run the ship aground if possible" after detecting an inlet with a beach, making this a planned, though desperate, last-ditch effort to save lives, guided by Paul's earlier prophecy. Historically, ancient ships relied on sails and rudders but were vulnerable to severe storms, often opting for controlled beaching when total wreck was inevitable on open sea or reefs.

Acts 27 40 Word analysis

• So they cast off the anchors (τὰς ἀγκύρας περιελόντες εἴων ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ – tas ankyras perielontes eiōn en tē thalassē):
  • ἀγκύρας (ankyras): "anchors." In ancient seafaring, ships carried multiple anchors. These were typically made of stone, wood, or lead, later iron. Here, they had dropped four anchors to try to prevent drifting, but now cutting them loose indicates an irreversible decision made in extreme haste to sacrifice equipment for speed and maneuverability.
  • περιελόντες (perielontes): "having cut away/taken off." The verb periaireō implies taking away, often with the sense of cutting, especially in nautical contexts where quick action is needed. Its use signifies a definitive and non-reversable action, driven by the urgency of their situation. This highlights the high stakes—sacrificing valuable gear to increase the chance of survival.
  • εἴων ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ (eiōn en tē thalassē): "left them in the sea." This clarifies the intent of perielontes; the anchors were abandoned, emphasizing the desperation.
• at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders (ἅμα ἀνέντες τὰς ζευκτηρίας τῶν πηδαλίων – hama anentes tas zeukterias tōn pēdaliōn):
  • ἅμα (hama): "at the same time." Emphasizes the simultaneous and coordinated nature of these crucial actions.
  • ἀνέντες (anentes): "having loosed/released." The verb aniēmi denotes releasing tension, unfastening. It is distinct from cutting and suggests regaining functional control.
  • ζευκτηρίας (zeuktērias): "rudder bands/ropes." These were likely ropes used to bind or secure the two steering oars (rudders) in stormy weather or when at anchor to prevent damage or uncontrolled movement. Loosing them was necessary to allow the rudders to operate, thus enabling steering control toward the beach.
  • πηδαλίων (pēdaliōn): "rudders." Most ancient large ships used two steering oars, one on each side of the stern. Activating them was vital for directional control.
• Then hoisting the foresail to the wind (καὶ ἐπάραντες τὸν ἀρτέμονα τῇ πνεούσῃ – kai eparantes ton artemona tē pneousē):
  • ἐπάραντες (eparantes): "having hoisted/raised." This verb means to lift up. Raising the sail provided propulsion.
  • ἀρτέμονα (artemona): "foresail" (Latin artemōn). This refers to a small sail positioned at the front (bow) of the ship. While a main sail would have been too powerful in a storm or unwieldy, a foresail was crucial for fine steering control, especially for an attempt at beaching where precise angle to the waves was critical to avoid capsizing.
  • πνεούσῃ (pneousē): "to the blowing [wind]." The participle refers to the wind that was currently blowing. This indicates utilizing the available natural force for propulsion, despite the dangerous conditions.
• they made for the beach (κατεῖχον εἰς τὸν αἰγιαλόν – kateichon eis ton aigialon):
  • κατεῖχον (kateichon): "they held [their course]/they directed." This imperfect verb suggests a sustained effort to steer toward their destination, emphasizing the continued struggle.
  • αἰγιαλόν (aigialon): "beach/shore." The specific target, representing a safer landing spot than rocks or open sea. This action implies a strategy of a controlled, though risky, run ashore to save lives, rather than an uncontrolled shipwreck.

Acts 27 40 Bonus section

The highly technical nature of the actions described in Acts 27:40 attests to Luke's meticulous reporting and potential firsthand observation of these events, or thorough research into nautical practices. The detailed sequence of events suggests a practiced understanding of seamanship. This narrative emphasizes not just Paul's spiritual authority but also the practical wisdom necessary for survival, showcasing how spiritual leadership (Paul's prophecy) can effectively guide secular expertise (the sailors' actions) in a crisis. The decision to make for a beach over open water implies a strategic choice to sacrifice the vessel's integrity for the sake of human lives, consistent with Paul's focus on preserving everyone.

Acts 27 40 Commentary

Acts 27:40 vividly illustrates a pivotal moment where human expertise and desperate action converge with divine providence. Despite Paul's earlier prophecy of survival, the crew does not passively await deliverance; instead, they employ all available nautical skills. Cutting anchors was a significant loss, releasing rudders was essential for control, and hoisting a small foresail was a delicate maneuver to guide the ship, not overpower it. This combination of deliberate actions—all leading towards the goal of the beach—shows a pragmatic faith. It's not a dismissal of God's promise but an active participation in their own rescue, highlighting the principle that God often uses human effort to fulfill His plan. It underscores that trust in God doesn't negate the need for practical wisdom and strenuous work, even in dire circumstances.