Acts 27:22
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τανῦν
G3568
τανῦν
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
2 of 15
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
παραινῶ
I exhort
G3867
παραινῶ
I exhort
Strong's:
G3867
Word #:
3 of 15
to mispraise, i.e., recommend or advise (a different course)
εὐθυμεῖν·
to be of good cheer
G2114
εὐθυμεῖν·
to be of good cheer
Strong's:
G2114
Word #:
5 of 15
to cheer up, i.e., (intransitively) be cheerful; neuter comparative (adverbially) more cheerfully
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ψυχῆς
of any man's life
G5590
ψυχῆς
of any man's life
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
8 of 15
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
οὐδεμία
no
G3762
οὐδεμία
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
9 of 15
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἐξ
among
G1537
ἐξ
among
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Acts 27:36Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.Acts 27:25Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.Psalms 112:7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.Acts 27:34Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.1 Samuel 30:6And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
Historical Context
Shipwrecks in antiquity often resulted in total loss of life, especially in winter storms. Paul's guarantee of survival defied maritime experience and common sense. The fulfillment (all 276 survived, v. 37) validated both his prophetic gift and God's sovereign protection over His servant bound for Rome.
Questions for Reflection
- How does biblical hope differ from positive thinking or wishful optimism?
- When has God's promise sustained your courage despite impossible circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I exhort you to be of good cheer (παρακαλῶ, I encourage/urge you)—Paul shifts from gentle rebuke to pastoral comfort. The Greek euthymeō (be cheerful) meant courage in adversity, not superficial happiness. His promise no loss of any man's life... but of the ship seems impossible given their circumstances, yet rests on divine revelation, not optimism. This demonstrates Christian hope's distinctiveness: grounded in God's word, not circumstances. Paul's confidence amid disaster mirrors Jesus calming the storm—both reveal faith's supernatural source.