Acts 27:15
And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνέμῳ
the wind
G417
ἀνέμῳ
the wind
Strong's:
G417
Word #:
10 of 12
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
Historical Context
Large grain ships (140-150 feet long, 30+ feet wide) were square-rigged vessels that couldn't sail close to the wind like modern boats. When caught broadside by a northeaster, they became helpless. The ship was driven southwest away from Crete toward the African coast and the dreaded Syrtis quicksands (27:17).
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life have you experienced the helplessness of being 'driven' by forces beyond your control?
- How does surrendering human control in storms prepare you to receive divine intervention?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind—The Greek ἀντοφθαλμεῖν (antophthalmein, 'face into') suggests the ship couldn't turn its bow into the wind, the safest storm position. We let her drive (ἐπιδόντες ἐφερόμεθα, epidontes epherometha)—'giving way, we were carried along.' Human control surrendered to nature's violence. Luke shifts to 'we,' indicating his presence and participation in the terror. This forced drift mirrors spiritual reality: without Christ's anchor, we're driven by every wind of doctrine (Eph 4:14). The crew's helplessness foreshadows humanity's inability to save itself—only divine intervention (Paul's prophecy in 27:22-24) will rescue them.