King James Version

What Does Acts 27:35 Mean?

Acts 27:35 in the King James Version says “And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, h... — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

Acts 27:35 · KJV


Context

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.

34

Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

35

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

36

Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

37

And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all—Paul's public thanksgiving transformed a meal into witness. The Greek eucharistēsas (gave thanks) recalls Jesus' Last Supper actions and feeding miracles. Though not a communion service, Paul's blessing demonstrated that in presence of them all—pagans included—God deserved gratitude.

When he had broken it, he began to eat—Simple actions spoke volumes. The prisoner's calm confidence and public prayer to the true God shamed the sailors' panic and the soldiers' uncertainty. His eating first modeled the faith he preached. This scene previews Paul's later Roman imprisonment ministry where his chains advanced the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Public prayer to foreign gods was common in polytheistic Rome, but exclusive devotion to Israel's God was distinctive. Paul's thanksgiving publicly identified the source of promised deliverance. The breaking of bread (artos, ordinary bread, not sacramental) was standard Jewish practice before meals, acknowledging God as provider. For 276 terrified people, Paul's composed blessing was powerful testimony.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does public thanksgiving for God's provision witness to His reality and care?
  2. What does Paul's example teach about practicing faith visibly during corporate crisis?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
εἴπων1 of 15

spoken

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῦτα3 of 15

when he had thus

G5023

these things

καὶ4 of 15

and

G2532

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

λαβὼν5 of 15

he took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἄρτον6 of 15

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

εὐχαρίστησεν7 of 15

and gave thanks

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

τῷ8 of 15
G3588

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

θεῷ9 of 15

to God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐνώπιον10 of 15

in presence

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

πάντων11 of 15

of them all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ12 of 15

and

G2532

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

κλάσας13 of 15

when he had broken

G2806

to break (specially, of bread)

ἤρξατο14 of 15

it he began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ἐσθίειν15 of 15

to eat

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)


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 27:35 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 27:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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