King James Version

What Does Acts 27:31 Mean?

Acts 27:31 in the King James Version says “Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.”

Acts 27:31 · KJV

Salvation

Context

29

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

30

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

31

Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

32

Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

33

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

Read Acts 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved—Paul's warning that salvation required the sailors' presence demonstrates conditional divine promises. The Greek sōthēnai (be saved) here means physical deliverance, yet illustrates the theological principle that God's promises demand human cooperation. God had promised (v. 24) no loss of life, but this didn't make human expertise unnecessary.

Paul's spiritual authority now commanded military attention—the centurion Julius trusted Paul over experienced sailors. This reversal shows how proven character and divine vindication earn respect even from pagan authorities. The warning also reveals Paul's practical wisdom; he recognized professional skill as God's appointed means of deliverance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman centurions commanded approximately 80-100 soldiers and held significant authority. Julius (Acts 27:1) had shown Paul kindness throughout the journey. Paul's credibility stemmed from accurately predicting the disaster (27:10) and demonstrating calm confidence during the storm. His word now carried weight the angel's promise had confirmed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's promises require our active participation rather than passive presumption?
  2. When has proven faithfulness in crisis given you spiritual authority to speak into difficult situations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
εἶπεν1 of 19

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὁ2 of 19
G3588

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

Παῦλος3 of 19

“Paul”

G3972

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

τῷ4 of 19
G3588

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

ἑκατοντάρχῃ5 of 19

“to the centurion”

G1543

the captain of one hundred men

καὶ6 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

τοῖς7 of 19
G3588

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

στρατιώταις8 of 19

“to the soldiers”

G4757

a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)

Ἐὰν9 of 19
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μὴ10 of 19
G3361

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

οὗτοι11 of 19

“these”

G3778

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

μείνωσιν12 of 19

“abide”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ἐν13 of 19

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ14 of 19
G3588

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

πλοίῳ15 of 19

“the ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

ὑμεῖς16 of 19

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

σωθῆναι17 of 19

“be saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

οὐ18 of 19

“cannot”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύνασθε19 of 19
G1410

to be able or possible

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 27:31 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 27:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14Jeremiah 29:11-13Psalms 91:11-12Acts 27:21-24Luke 1:34-35Acts 27:42-43

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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