King James Version

What Does Acts 27:43 Mean?

Acts 27:43 in the King James Version says “But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should c...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:”

Acts 27:43 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

43

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

44

And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship . And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose—As Paul's ship wrecks off Malta, soldiers plan to kill prisoners to prevent escape (Roman law executed guards whose prisoners escaped). The centurion Julius, however, βουλόμενος διασῶσαι τὸν Παῦλον (boulomenos diasōsai ton Paulon, 'wanting to bring Paul safely through'), intervenes. The verb ἐκώλυσεν (ekōlysen, 'prevented, hindered') their βουλήματος (boulēmatos, 'plan, purpose').

Julius's protective action fulfills Paul's prophecy that all would survive (27:22-24). God had revealed to Paul 'thou must be brought before Caesar' (27:24), guaranteeing his arrival in Rome. The centurion's intervention—motivated by respect for Paul (see 27:3) and perhaps conviction about his innocence—becomes the instrument of God's purposes. All 276 people aboard are saved because of Paul's presence and God's promise. This echoes Joseph's preservation of Egypt and Jonah's impact on sailors—one righteous person brings deliverance to many.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman military law (Codex Justinianus) prescribed death for soldiers who allowed prisoners to escape. The soldiers' plan to kill prisoners was legally logical but morally reprehensible. Centurion Julius, who had shown kindness to Paul throughout the voyage (27:3, 27:43), exercises his authority to prevent massacre. His decision risked his own life—if prisoners escaped, he would answer for it. Yet his respect for Paul and perhaps conviction about his innocence motivated extraordinary protection. This centurion joins others (Matthew 8:5-13, Mark 15:39) whom Scripture presents as honorable men.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to preserve Paul extend protection to all 276 people on the ship, and what does this teach about the blessing believers bring to their surroundings?
  2. What does Julius's willingness to risk military discipline to save Paul reveal about the power of godly character to influence even unbelievers?
  3. In what ways might your presence and prayers be a source of preservation and blessing to those around you, even when they don't recognize it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ὁ1 of 22
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 22

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἑκατόνταρχος3 of 22

“the centurion”

G1543

the captain of one hundred men

βουλόμενος4 of 22

“willing”

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

διασῶσαι5 of 22

“to save”

G1295

to save thoroughly, i.e., (by implication or analogy) to cure, preserve, rescue, etc

τὸν6 of 22
G3588

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

Παῦλον7 of 22

“Paul”

G3972

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

ἐκώλυσεν8 of 22

“kept”

G2967

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

αὐτοὺς9 of 22

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦ10 of 22
G3588

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

βουλήματος11 of 22

“from their purpose”

G1013

a resolve

ἐκέλευσέν12 of 22

“commanded”

G2753

"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order

τε13 of 22

“and”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

τοὺς14 of 22
G3588

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

δυναμένους15 of 22

“that they which could”

G1410

to be able or possible

κολυμβᾶν16 of 22

“swim”

G2860

to plunge into water

ἀποῤῥίψαντας17 of 22

“should cast”

G641

to hurl off, i.e., precipitate (oneself)

πρώτους18 of 22

“themselves first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἐπὶ19 of 22

“to”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν20 of 22
G3588

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

γῆν21 of 22

“land”

G1093

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

ἐξιέναι22 of 22

“into the sea and get”

G1826

to issue, i.e., leave (a place), escape (to the shore)

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 27:43 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 27:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 27:3Proverbs 16:7Acts 23:24Acts 23:10Acts 27:112 Corinthians 11:25

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