Keraia
Acts 27

Acts 27:40

The Shipwreck · Acts 27:27–44
Read Acts 27

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And having cut away the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time having loosened the ropes of the rudders. And having hoisted the foresail to the blowing wind, they began making for the shore.
Latin
Et cum anchoras sustulissent, committebant se mari, simul laxantes juncturas gubernaculorum: et levato artemone secundum auræ flatum, tendebant ad littus.

Original

Greek
English
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.

Notes

Acts 27:39–41

They guided the ship onto a sandbar (a shallow area of sand in the water).

Acts 27:1–28:16

  • 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

Paul (Saul)

Events

Glossary

Anchor Book of the Acts of the Apostles Caesarea Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Luke (Person) Luke, Gospel of Paul the Apostle Sailors Salvation Travel

Topics

Helm: General Scriptures Concerning Mariners (Sailors): Perils of Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Destruction of the Ship Predicted and Fulfilled Ship: An Anchor Ship: Equipped With: A Rudder Ship: Sails Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Anchors Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Rudder-Bands