King James Version

What Does Acts 27:38 Mean?

Acts 27:38 in the King James Version says “And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.”

Acts 27:38 · KJV

Context

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.

38

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

39

And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

40

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. taken: or, cut the anchors, they left them in the sea

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. This verse describes a critical moment during Paul's voyage to Rome. The Greek word for "eaten enough" (korennymi, κορέννυμι) means to be satisfied or filled, indicating they ate to full strength after days of fasting due to the storm. This meal followed Paul's prophetic encouragement and the breaking of bread (v. 35), which some scholars see as echoing the Lord's Supper.

"Lightened the ship" (kouphizō, κουφίζω) was a desperate measure to keep the vessel afloat. The "wheat" (sitos, σῖτος) being cast overboard was likely the ship's cargo destined for Rome—Rome depended heavily on Egyptian grain shipments. This represents a significant financial loss willingly accepted to preserve life.

The passage illustrates providence and priorities. Material possessions, even valuable cargo, must be sacrificed when life is at stake. Paul's faith-filled leadership brought hope to all 276 souls aboard, demonstrating how one faithful servant can impact many. The account foreshadows resurrection themes—through suffering and loss comes salvation, and what seems like disaster (grain lost to the sea) produces deliverance (ship lightened, lives saved). Christ's presence with His people through storms guarantees safe arrival at the destined shore.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Acts 27 records Paul's journey to Rome around 60 AD as a prisoner appealing to Caesar. The detailed nautical language suggests Luke (the author) was an eyewitness on this voyage. The ship was likely an Alexandrian grain freighter—massive vessels that transported wheat from Egypt to Rome, the empire's breadbasket.

Ancient Mediterranean shipping ceased during winter (November-March) due to dangerous storms. Paul warned against sailing (v. 10), but the centurion trusted the ship's pilot instead. The storm described is a "northeaster" (Greek Euroklydon), a violent wind combination still known in the Mediterranean.

The cargo of wheat being jettisoned was economically devastating but necessary. Roman grain ships carried hundreds of tons—enough to feed thousands. The willingness to sacrifice this cargo shows the desperation of their situation. Archaeological discoveries of ancient shipwrecks reveal similar cargos and confirm Luke's accurate nautical knowledge. This historical detail demonstrates Acts' reliability as eyewitness testimony. The centurion Julius' later protection of Paul (v. 43) may reflect gratitude for Paul's guidance that saved all aboard.

Reflection Questions

  1. What material possessions might God be calling you to 'throw overboard' to preserve spiritual life?
  2. How does Paul's faithful leadership in crisis model Christian witness in difficult circumstances?
  3. What storms in your life require you to trust God's promises over human wisdom?
  4. How can taking spiritual nourishment (like the bread in v. 35) strengthen you for trials ahead?
  5. Where do you see God's providence protecting you through losses and difficulties?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
κορεσθέντες1 of 12

“enough”

G2880

to cram, i.e., glut or sate

δὲ2 of 12

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τροφῆς3 of 12

“when they had eaten”

G5160

nourishment (literally or figuratively); by implication, rations (wages)

ἐκούφιζον4 of 12

“they lightened”

G2893

to unload

τὸ5 of 12
G3588

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

πλοῖον6 of 12

“the ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

ἐκβαλλόμενοι7 of 12

“and cast out”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

τὸν8 of 12
G3588

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

σῖτον9 of 12

“the wheat”

G4621

grain, especially wheat

εἰς10 of 12

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν11 of 12
G3588

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

θάλασσαν12 of 12

“the sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

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 27:38 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 27:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jonah 1:5Matthew 6:25Acts 27:18-19Matthew 16:26Job 2:4Hebrews 12:1

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