Acts 27:29

Modern

Fearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.

Traditional

Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

Literal

And fearing, lest we might fall somewhere on rocky places, having cast four anchors out of the stern, they were praying for day to come.

Latin

Timentes autem ne in aspera loca incideremus, de puppi mittentes anchoras quatuor, optabant diem fieri.

Greek

English

Fearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.

The graphic language describing sailing in the story of Paul's journey to Rome provides one of the best accounts of an ancient sea journey.
This is the last "we" section in Acts (see also 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18). During Paul's two years of imprisonment, Luke probably researched his gospel throughout Judea and Galilee. Here, as part of Paul's sailing group, he had a personal witness of the dangers at sea.

Theme notes and profiles

Acts 27:17
After hoisting it up, the crew used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along.
Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
Acts 27:30
Meanwhile, the sailors attempted to escape from the ship. Pretending to lower anchors from the bow, they let the lifeboat down into the sea.
Deuteronomy 28:67
In the morning you will say, ‘If only it were evening!’ and in the evening you will say, ‘If only it were morning!’—because of the dread in your hearts of the terrifying sights you will see.
Psalm 130:6
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning—more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Acts 27:40–41
Cutting away the anchors, they left them in the sea as they loosened the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach.
Acts 27:26
However, we must run aground on some island.”