Acts 27:25

Authorized King James Version

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Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Original Language Analysis

διὸ Wherefore G1352
διὸ Wherefore
Strong's: G1352
Word #: 1 of 15
through which thing, i.e., consequently
εὐθυμεῖτε be of good cheer G2114
εὐθυμεῖτε be of good cheer
Strong's: G2114
Word #: 2 of 15
to cheer up, i.e., (intransitively) be cheerful; neuter comparative (adverbially) more cheerfully
ἄνδρες· sirs G435
ἄνδρες· sirs
Strong's: G435
Word #: 3 of 15
a man (properly as an individual male)
πιστεύω I believe G4100
πιστεύω I believe
Strong's: G4100
Word #: 4 of 15
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
γὰρ for G1063
γὰρ for
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 5 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ God G2316
θεῷ God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 7 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 8 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὕτως G3779
οὕτως
Strong's: G3779
Word #: 9 of 15
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
ἔσται it shall be G2071
ἔσται it shall be
Strong's: G2071
Word #: 10 of 15
will be
καθ' even G2596
καθ' even
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 11 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὃν G3739
ὃν
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 12 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τρόπον as G5158
τρόπον as
Strong's: G5158
Word #: 13 of 15
a turn, i.e., (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character
λελάληταί it was told G2980
λελάληταί it was told
Strong's: G2980
Word #: 14 of 15
to talk, i.e., utter words
μοι me G3427
μοι me
Strong's: G3427
Word #: 15 of 15
to me

Analysis & Commentary

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer (εὐθυμεῖτε, euthymeite)—Paul uses the imperative form meaning "take courage" or "be cheerful," the same root Jesus used in John 16:33 (tharseite). Despite being a prisoner, Paul speaks with apostolic authority to seasoned sailors and Roman soldiers.

For I believe God (πιστεύω γὰρ τῷ θεῷ, pisteuō gar tō theō)—This is saving faith (pistis) demonstrated under trial. Paul's confidence rests not in circumstances but in God's revealed word through the angel (v. 23-24). The conjunction gar ("for") grounds his exhortation in divine revelation. That it shall be even as it was told me—Paul affirms the reliability of God's promise. This echoes Abraham's faith (Romans 4:21) and models the Christian response to adversity: believing God's word despite contrary circumstances.

Historical Context

This occurred during Paul's voyage to Rome as a prisoner (AD 59-60), likely sailing from Myra to Malta via Crete during dangerous autumn weather. Ancient Mediterranean shipping typically ceased November-March. Paul had already warned against sailing (v. 10), but the centurion trusted the ship's pilot. After fourteen days drifting in a northeaster storm, all 276 aboard faced certain death until Paul's angelic visitation brought divine assurance.

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