Acts 27:17

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἣν
Which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
ἄραντες
when they had taken up
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
#3
βοηθείαις
helps
aid; specially, a rope or chain for frapping a vessel
#4
ἐχρῶντο
they used
to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow
#5
ὑποζωννύντες
undergirding
to gird under, i.e., frap (a vessel with cables across the keel, sides and deck)
#6
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πλοῖον
the ship
a sailer, i.e., vessel
#8
φοβούμενοί
fearing
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
#9
τε
and
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#10
μὴ
lest
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#11
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
Σύρτιν
the quicksands
a shoal (from the sand drawn thither by the waves), i.e., the syrtis major or great bay on the north coast of africa
#14
ἐκπέσωσιν
they should fall
to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient
#15
χαλάσαντες
strake
to lower (as into a void)
#16
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
σκεῦος
sail
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
#18
οὕτως
and so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#19
ἐφέροντο
were driven
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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