King James Version

What Does Acts 27:39 Mean?

Acts 27:39 in the King James Version says “And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Acts 27:39 · KJV

Context

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

41

And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When it was day, they knew not the land—Daylight revealed unfamiliar coastline. The Greek epegīnōskon (recognized) indicates the sailors, despite Mediterranean experience, didn't recognize this location. Yet they discovered a certain creek with a shore—God's providence provided ideal landing. The kolpon (bay/creek) with beach offered protected waters for running aground, better than rocky coast.

If it were possible, to thrust in the ship shows cautious planning despite divine promise. Faith doesn't mean presumption; they assessed conditions carefully. The passive 'they were minded' (Greek ebouleuonto, deliberated) indicates corporate decision-making. Even with God's guarantee, human wisdom and prudent planning remained necessary—another example of divine sovereignty working through human means.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The location was later identified as Malta's St. Paul's Bay (Acts 28:1). The sailors' unfamiliarity isn't surprising; Malta was off main shipping lanes. Ancient navigation relied on coastal landmarks; in unfamiliar waters, finding a sandy beach rather than cliffs was crucial for safe grounding. The 'creek with a shore' (suitable beach) was providentially ideal for their desperate need.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty provide specific, practical solutions to desperate circumstances?
  2. What does the sailors' cautious assessment despite divine promise teach about faith and prudence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ὅτε1 of 22

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

δέ2 of 22

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἡμέρα3 of 22

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐγένετο4 of 22

“it was”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τὴν5 of 22
G3588

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

γῆν6 of 22

“the land”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

οὐκ7 of 22

“not”

G3756

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

ἐπεγίνωσκον8 of 22

“they knew”

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

κόλπον9 of 22

“creek”

G2859

the bosom; by analogy, a bay

δέ10 of 22

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τινα11 of 22

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

κατενόουν12 of 22

“they discovered”

G2657

to observe fully

ἔχοντα13 of 22

“with”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

αἰγιαλὸν14 of 22

“a shore”

G123

a beach (on which the waves dash)

εἰς15 of 22

“into”

G1519

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

ὃν16 of 22

“the which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐβουλεύσαντο,17 of 22

“they were minded”

G1011

to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve

εἰ18 of 22

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δύναιντο19 of 22

“it were possible”

G1410

to be able or possible

ἐξῶσαι20 of 22

“to thrust in”

G1856

to expel; by implication, to propel

τὸ21 of 22
G3588

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

πλοῖον22 of 22

“the ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

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 27:39 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 27:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 28:1

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