Acts 27:21
But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
Original Language Analysis
Πολλῆς
long
G4183
Πολλῆς
long
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 31
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ὑπαρχούσης
after
G5225
ὑπαρχούσης
after
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
4 of 31
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
τότε
G5119
τότε
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
5 of 31
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
σταθεὶς
stood forth
G2476
σταθεὶς
stood forth
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
6 of 31
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
8 of 31
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
αὐτῶν
of them
G846
αὐτῶν
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 31
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
Ἔδει
ye should
G1163
Ἔδει
ye should
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
13 of 31
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
μέν
G3303
μέν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
14 of 31
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ὦ
Sirs
G5599
ὦ
Sirs
Strong's:
G5599
Word #:
15 of 31
as a sign of the vocative case, o; as a note of exclamation, oh
πειθαρχήσαντάς
have hearkened
G3980
πειθαρχήσαντάς
have hearkened
Strong's:
G3980
Word #:
17 of 31
to be persuaded by a ruler, i.e., (genitive case) to submit to authority; by analogy, to conform to advice
μὴ
and not
G3361
μὴ
and not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
19 of 31
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀνάγεσθαι
have loosed
G321
ἀνάγεσθαι
have loosed
Strong's:
G321
Word #:
20 of 31
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
21 of 31
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτην
G3778
ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
28 of 31
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
29 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The 'long abstinence' occurred during the fourteen-day storm (v. 27). Ancient sailing provided no shelter from elements; passengers and crew huddled on open decks, unable to prepare food. Paul's earlier counsel at Fair Havens (Crete) was overruled by the ship's master and centurion who risked sailing toward Phoenix.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when your earlier godly counsel is vindicated by events—with humility or superiority?
- What 'harm and loss' have you 'gained' by ignoring wisdom or rushing ahead of God's timing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Paul's address after long abstinence (πολλῆς ἀσιτίας, extended fasting) shows the physical toll of prolonged crisis—seasickness, fear, and despair killed appetites. His reminder ye should have hearkened unto me recalls his earlier warning at Fair Havens (v. 10), establishing prophetic credibility before making new promises. The phrase gained this harm and loss (κερδῆσαι τὴν ὕβριν, literally 'gained the injury') uses commercial language ironically—they 'profited' disaster by ignoring wisdom. Paul doesn't gloat but establishes authority for his coming encouragement.