Acts 27:10
And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
Original Language Analysis
λέγων
And said
G3004
λέγων
And said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 26
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς,
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς,
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 26
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
θεωρῶ
I perceive
G2334
θεωρῶ
I perceive
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
4 of 26
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 26
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλῆς
much
G4183
πολλῆς
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
9 of 26
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
18 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχῶν
lives
G5590
ψυχῶν
lives
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
21 of 26
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
μέλλειν
will be
G3195
μέλλειν
will be
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
23 of 26
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
Cross References
Amos 3:7Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.Daniel 2:30But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.Psalms 25:14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Historical Context
Paul spoke from experience—2 Corinthians 11:25 mentions three prior shipwrecks (before this one). As a seasoned traveler who had sailed extensively throughout the Mediterranean, his nautical knowledge combined with spiritual discernment. The economic pressure to continue was enormous: grain ships carried Rome's food supply from Egypt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use your natural experience and spiritual gifting together for his purposes?
- When have you faced situations where economic or practical pressures tempted you to ignore spiritual warning?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I perceive (θεωρῶ, theōrō)—Paul's verb suggests careful observation and spiritual insight, not mere opinion. His warning specified hurt and much damage (ὕβρεως καὶ πολλῆς ζημίας, hybreōs kai pollēs zēmias)—violence and great loss, not only to cargo (the lading) and ship, but to our lives (τῶν ψυχῶν, tōn psychōn, literally 'souls'). This proved partially accurate: all survived (27:44) but ship and cargo were lost. Paul's prophecy demonstrates that spiritual gifting operates even in secular contexts; God's servants can speak authoritatively about practical matters when guided by the Spirit.