King James Version

What Does Acts 27:40 Mean?

Acts 27:40 in the King James Version says “And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Acts 27:40 · KJV

Context

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.

42

And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

Read Acts 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they had taken up the anchors—The Greek perielontes (casting off) suggests they cut or released anchors rather than retrieving them, prioritizing speed over salvage. They committed themselves unto the sea captures desperate faith—no turning back. Loosed the rudder bands indicates previously lashed steering oars (ancient ships used side-mounted oars for steering) were freed for navigation. Hoised up the mainsail (Greek artemōna, small foresail) caught wind to drive toward shore.

This verse displays nautical expertise Luke accurately recorded. Every technical detail—anchors, rudders, foresail—was necessary for the final beach approach. Their coordinated action demonstrated professional competence combined with desperate courage. God's promise of deliverance didn't eliminate the terrifying final run to shore; it sustained them through it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean ships used large side-mounted steering oars (not stern rudders). These were tied or lashed when anchored to prevent damage. The artemōn (foresail) was smaller than the mainsail, used for maneuvering in tight situations. Running a ship aground intentionally was last-resort tactic, virtually guaranteeing the ship's destruction while hopefully saving passengers. The maneuver required skill, timing, and considerable courage.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'committing to the sea' illustrate faith's requirement to move forward despite fear?
  2. What does the technical precision of this final effort teach about combining faith with competent action?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

τὰς2 of 24
G3588

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

ἀγκύρας3 of 24

“the anchors”

G45

an "anchor" (as crooked)

περιελόντες4 of 24

“when they had taken up”

G4014

to remove all around, i.e., unveil, cast off (anchor); figuratively, to expiate

εἴων5 of 24

“they committed”

G1439

to let be, i.e., permit or leave alone

εἰς6 of 24

“themselves unto”

G1519

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

τὴν7 of 24
G3588

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

θάλασσαν8 of 24

“the sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ἅμα9 of 24

“and”

G260

properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association

ἀνέντες10 of 24

“loosed”

G447

to let up, i.e., (literally) slacken or (figuratively) desert, desist from

τὰς11 of 24
G3588

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

ζευκτηρίας12 of 24

“bands”

G2202

a fastening (tiller-rope)

τῶν13 of 24
G3588

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

πηδαλίων14 of 24

“the rudder”

G4079

a "pedal", i.e., helm

καὶ15 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπάραντες16 of 24

“hoised up”

G1869

to raise up (literally or figuratively)

τὸν17 of 24
G3588

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

ἀρτέμονα18 of 24

“the mainsail”

G736

properly, something ready (or else more remotely from g0142 (compare g0740); something hung up), i.e., (specially) the topsail (rather foresail or jib

τῇ19 of 24
G3588

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

πνεούσῃ20 of 24

“to the wind”

G4154

to breathe hard, i.e., breeze

κατεῖχον21 of 24

“and made”

G2722

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

εἰς22 of 24

“themselves unto”

G1519

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

τὸν23 of 24
G3588

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

αἰγιαλόν24 of 24

“shore”

G123

a beach (on which the waves dash)

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 27:40 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 27:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 27:29-30Isaiah 33:23

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