King James Version

What Does Acts 27:21 Mean?

Acts 27:21 in the King James Version says “But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs , ye should have hearkened unto me, and ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs , ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

Acts 27:21 · KJV


Context

19

And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

20

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

21

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs , ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

22

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

23

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's address after long abstinence (πολλῆς ἀσιτίας, extended fasting) shows the physical toll of prolonged crisis—seasickness, fear, and despair killed appetites. His reminder ye should have hearkened unto me recalls his earlier warning at Fair Havens (v. 10), establishing prophetic credibility before making new promises. The phrase gained this harm and loss (κερδῆσαι τὴν ὕβριν, literally 'gained the injury') uses commercial language ironically—they 'profited' disaster by ignoring wisdom. Paul doesn't gloat but establishes authority for his coming encouragement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'long abstinence' occurred during the fourteen-day storm (v. 27). Ancient sailing provided no shelter from elements; passengers and crew huddled on open decks, unable to prepare food. Paul's earlier counsel at Fair Havens (Crete) was overruled by the ship's master and centurion who risked sailing toward Phoenix.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when your earlier godly counsel is vindicated by events—with humility or superiority?
  2. What 'harm and loss' have you 'gained' by ignoring wisdom or rushing ahead of God's timing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
Πολλῆς1 of 31

long

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

δέ2 of 31

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀσιτίας3 of 31

abstinence

G776

fasting (the state)

ὑπαρχούσης4 of 31

after

G5225

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

τότε5 of 31
G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

σταθεὶς6 of 31

stood forth

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

7 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος8 of 31

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἐν9 of 31

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέσῳ10 of 31

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

αὐτῶν11 of 31

of them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἶπεν12 of 31

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἔδει13 of 31

ye should

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

μέν14 of 31
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

15 of 31

Sirs

G5599

as a sign of the vocative case, o; as a note of exclamation, oh

ἄνδρες16 of 31
G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

πειθαρχήσαντάς17 of 31

have hearkened

G3980

to be persuaded by a ruler, i.e., (genitive case) to submit to authority; by analogy, to conform to advice

μοι18 of 31

unto me

G3427

to me

μὴ19 of 31

and not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀνάγεσθαι20 of 31

have loosed

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

ἀπὸ21 of 31

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς22 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Κρήτης23 of 31

Crete

G2914

crete, an island in the mediterranean

κερδῆσαί24 of 31

to have gained

G2770

to gain (literally or figuratively)

τε25 of 31

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

τὴν26 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὕβριν27 of 31

harm

G5196

insolence (as over-bearing), i.e., insult, injury

ταύτην28 of 31
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

καὶ29 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν30 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζημίαν31 of 31

loss

G2209

detriment


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 27:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 27:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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