Acts 27:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Πολλῆς

G4183

long

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

δέ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἀσιτίας

G776

abstinence

fasting (the state)

ὑπαρχούσης

G5225

after

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

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

σταθεὶς

G2476

stood forth

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#10

μέσῳ

G3319

the midst

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

#11

αὐτῶν

G846

of them

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

#12

εἶπεν

G2036

and said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#13

Ἔδει

G1163

ye should

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

#14

μέν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

#15

ὦ

G5599

Sirs

as a sign of the vocative case, o; as a note of exclamation, oh

#16

ἄνδρες

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

#17

πειθαρχήσαντάς

G3980

have hearkened

to be persuaded by a ruler, i.e., (genitive case) to submit to authority; by analogy, to conform to advice

#18

μοι

G3427

unto me

to me

#19

μὴ

G3361

and not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#20

ἀνάγεσθαι

G321

have loosed

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

#21

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#22

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

Κρήτης

G2914

Crete

crete, an island in the mediterranean

#24

κερδῆσαί

G2770

to have gained

to gain (literally or figuratively)

#25

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#26

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#27

ὕβριν

G5196

harm

insolence (as over-bearing), i.e., insult, injury

#28

ταύτην

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#29

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#30

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#31

ζημίαν

G2209

loss

detriment

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 27 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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