New International VersionFearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.
New Living TranslationAt this rate they were afraid we would soon be driven against the rocks along the shore, so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight.
English Standard VersionAnd fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.
Berean Standard BibleFearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.
Berean Literal BibleAnd fearing lest we might fall somewhere on rocky places, having cast four anchors out of the stern, they were praying for day to come.
King James BibleThen fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
New King James VersionThen, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come.
New American Standard BibleFearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.
NASB 1995Fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak.
NASB 1977And fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and were praying for daybreak.
Amplified BibleThen fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern [to slow the ship] and kept wishing for daybreak to come.
Christian Standard BibleThen, fearing we might run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight to come.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen, fearing we might run aground in some rocky place, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight to come.
American Standard VersionAnd fearing lest haply we should be cast ashore on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for the day.
Contemporary English VersionThe sailors were afraid that we might hit some rocks, and they let down four anchors from the back of the ship. Then they prayed for daylight.
English Revised VersionAnd fearing lest haply we should be cast ashore on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for the day.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationFearing we might hit rocks, they dropped four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for morning to come.
Good News TranslationThey were afraid that the ship would go on the rocks, so they lowered four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight.
International Standard VersionFearing that we might run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and began praying for daylight to come.
NET BibleBecause they were afraid that we would run aground on the rocky coast, they threw out four anchors from the stern and wished for day to appear.
New Heart English BibleFearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.
Webster's Bible TranslationThen fearing lest we should fall upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
Weymouth New TestamentThen for fear of possibly running on rocks, they threw out four anchors from the stern and waited impatiently for daylight. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.
World English BibleFearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand fearing lest we may fall on rough places, having cast four anchors out of the stern, they were wishing day to come.
Berean Literal BibleAnd fearing lest we might fall somewhere on rocky places, having cast four anchors out of the stern, they were praying for day to come.
Young's Literal Translation and fearing lest on rough places we may fall, out of the stern having cast four anchors, they were wishing day to come.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd fearing lest perhaps we might fall through into rough places, having cast four anchors from the stern, prayed for day to come. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen fearing lest we should fall upon rough places, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen, fearing that we might happen upon rough places, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and they were hoping for daylight to arrive soon.
New American BibleFearing that we would run aground on a rocky coast, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.
New Revised Standard VersionFearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen, fearing lest we find ourselves caught between the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern of the ship, and prayed for the dawning of day.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd we were afraid lest we would be found in places that have rocks in them; we cast four anchors from the prow of the ship, and we were praying that day would come. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd fearing that we would fall upon rocks, they threw out four anchors from the stern, and wished for day.
Godbey New Testament
and fearing lest they may fall out against rough places, casting four anchors from the stern, they were praying that the day should come.
Haweis New Testament
And fearing lest they might run on some rocky coast, they cast out four anchors astern, and wished eagerly for the day to break.
Mace New Testament
then for fear of striking upon the rocks, they dropt four anchors astern, and lay impatient for the day.
Weymouth New Testament
Then for fear of possibly running on rocks, they threw out four anchors from the stern and waited impatiently for daylight.
Worrell New Testament
And, fearing lest perhaps we might wreck against rocky places, having cast four anchors out of the stern, they were praying that day would come.
Worsley New Testament
Then fearing least they should fall uponsome rocky places, they cast four anchors out of the stern and wished for day.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Shipwreck… 28They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. Going a little farther, they took another set of soundings that read fifteen fathoms. 29Fearing thatwe would run agroundonthe rocks,they droppedfouranchorsfromthe sternand prayed fordaybreak.30Meanwhile, the sailors attempted to escape from the ship. Pretending to lower anchors from the bow, they let the lifeboat down into the sea.…
Cross References Hebrews 6:19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
Psalm 107:28-30Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. / He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed. / They rejoiced in the silence, and He guided them to the harbor they desired.
Jonah 1:4-5Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart. / The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.
Matthew 8:24-26Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” / “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm.
Mark 4:37-39Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. / But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” / Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm.
Luke 8:23-25As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. / “Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!”
2 Corinthians 11:25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.
Psalm 46:1-3For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Isaiah 33:2O LORD, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble.
Psalm 55:8I would hurry to my shelter, far from this raging tempest.”
Psalm 107:23-27Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. / They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. / For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. ...
Ezekiel 27:26Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea.
James 1:6But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Psalm 69:1-2For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. / I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me.
Isaiah 25:4For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall,
Treasury of Scripture Then fearing lest we should have fallen on rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. fallen. Acts 27:17,41 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven… anchors. Acts 27:30,40 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, … Hebrews 6:19 Whichhope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; and wished. Deuteronomy 28:67 In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see. Psalm 130:6 My soulwaiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning:I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Jump to Previous AgroundAnchorsAshoreCastCastingDashedDaylightDroppedFallFallenFearFearingFourGroundHaplyHooksPlacesPossiblyPrayedPrayersRocksRockyRunRunningShipSomewhereSternThrewWaitedWishedWishingJump to Next AgroundAnchorsAshoreCastCastingDashedDaylightDroppedFallFallenFearFearingFourGroundHaplyHooksPlacesPossiblyPrayedPrayersRocksRockyRunRunningShipSomewhereSternThrewWaitedWishedWishingActs 27 1.Paul shipping toward Rome,10.foretells of the danger of the voyage,11.but is not believed.14.They are tossed to and fro by a storm;41.and suffer shipwreck;44.yet all come safe to land.Fearing that we would run aground on the rocksThe fear of running aground highlights the perilous nature of sea travel in the ancient world, especially during storms. The Mediterranean Sea, where this event took place, was notorious for its sudden and violent storms. The sailors' fear reflects their awareness of the dangerous coastal areas, particularly around Malta, where hidden reefs and rocky shores posed significant threats to ships. This fear also underscores the human instinct to seek safety and the limitations of human control over nature, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. They dropped four anchors from the stern
Dropping anchors from the stern, or the back of the ship, was an unusual practice, as anchors were typically dropped from the bow, or front. This action indicates the desperate measures taken to stabilize the ship and prevent it from being driven onto the rocks. The use of four anchors suggests the severity of the storm and the sailors' determination to secure the vessel. In a broader biblical context, anchors symbolize hope and stability, as seen inHebrews 6:19, where hope is described as "an anchor for the soul." And prayed for daybreak
Prayer in times of distress is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting reliance on divine intervention. The sailors' prayer for daybreak signifies their hope for light and safety, as daylight would allow them to better navigate and assess their situation. This act of prayer, even by those who may not have been believers, illustrates the universal human tendency to seek divine help in crisis. The longing for daybreak can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and deliverance, echoing the biblical motif of light overcoming darkness, as found inJohn 1:5. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul- The apostle who is being transported to Rome as a prisoner. He is a central figure in this account, providing spiritual leadership and guidance. 2. Sailors and Soldiers- The crew and Roman soldiers aboard the ship, responsible for navigating and maintaining order during the perilous journey. 3. The Ship- The vessel carrying Paul and others to Rome, caught in a violent storm, symbolizing the trials and challenges faced by believers. 4. The Storm- A severe storm that threatens the ship, representing the trials and tribulations that test faith and reliance on God. 5. The Anchors- Four anchors dropped from the stern, symbolizing hope and stability amidst chaos and uncertainty. Teaching Points Faith in the Midst of StormsJust as the sailors dropped anchors and prayed, believers are called to anchor their faith in God during life's storms, trusting in His deliverance. The Power of PrayerThe act of praying for daylight signifies reliance on God for guidance and hope. Prayer should be our first response in times of trouble. Hope as an AnchorThe anchors symbolize hope. In turbulent times, our hope in Christ provides stability and assurance, preventing us from being spiritually shipwrecked. Community in CrisisThe collective action of the sailors and soldiers highlights the importance of community and unity in facing challenges. Believers should support one another in faith. Divine TimingThe anticipation of daylight represents waiting on God's timing for resolution and clarity. Patience and trust in God's perfect timing are crucial. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Acts 27
What does the anchor symbolize in the Bible?
What does the anchor symbolize in the Bible?
Who is Jacob, also known as Israel?
In Acts 27:22–26, do Paul’s assurances of safety contradict typical maritime fatalities in storms of that era?(29) Fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks.--Literally, upon rough places--the reefs of rock which were indicated by the breakers and by the diminished depth of water. They cast four anchors out of the stern.--It was no unusual thing for a ship to be furnished with this complement of anchors. So Caesar describes his ships as being secured with four anchors each (Bell. Civ. i. 25). In ancient navigation, as in modern, the anchors were commonly cast from the bow. In the battles of the Nile and of Copenhagen, however, Nelson had his ships anchored at the stern, and the fact derives a peculiar interest from the statement that he had been reading Acts 27 on the morning of the engagement. The result of this operation was that the ship was no longer in motion, and would be found, when the morning came, with her head to the shore. The tension of hope and fear, the suspense which made men almost cry-- "And if our fate be death, give light, and let us die," is vividly brought before us in St. Luke's few words, "they were praying for the day." Verse 29.- And for then, A.V.; lest haply for lest, A.V.; be cast ashore on rocky ground for have fallen upon rocks, A.V.; let go for east, A.V.; from for out of, A.V. Cast ashore (see ver. 17, note). Rocky ground ( τραχεῖς τόπους); Luke 3:5. The region of Trachonitis was so called from the rocky nature of the country - ἄκτη τραχεῖα, a rocky shore, Four anchors, "Naves quaternis anchoris destinabat no fluctibus moveretur" (Caesar, 'De Bell. Cir.,' 1:25). From the stern. Anchors are usually dropped from the bow, but under certain circumstances ships anchor from the stern. The British navy so anchored at the battles of the Nile, Algiers, and Copenhagen, and it is a earn-men practice of the Levantine caiques at the present day; and an ancient picture of a ship (at Herculaneum) distinctly represents "hawse-holes aft to fit them for anchoring by the stern." They did so in the present case, to obviate the danger of the ship swinging round and getting into breakers, and also that she might be in the best position for running on to the beach as soon as daylight came.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Fearing thatφοβούμενοί(phoboumenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5399:From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.we would run agroundἐκπέσωμεν(ekpesōmen)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1601:From ek and pipto; to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient.onκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).[the] rocks,τραχεῖς(tracheis)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5138:Rough, rugged, uneven. Perhaps strengthened from the base of rhegnumi; uneven, rocky.they droppedῥίψαντες(rhipsantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4496:A primary verb; to fling (see in ekteino), which indicates an extended projection); by qualification, to deposit; by extension, to disperse.fourτέσσαρας(tessaras)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5064:Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four.anchorsἀγκύρας(ankyras)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 45:An anchor. From the same as agkale; an 'anchor'.fromἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.[the] sternπρύμνης(prymnēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4403:The stern of a ship. Feminine of prumnus; the stern of a ship.[and] prayed forηὔχοντο(ēuchonto)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2172:To pray, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to wish; by implication, to pray to God.daybreak.ἡμέραν(hēmeran)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250:A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.
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NT Apostles: Acts 27:29 Fearing that we would run aground (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
