Acts 27:28
And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διαστήσαντες
when they had gone
G1339
διαστήσαντες
when they had gone
Strong's:
G1339
Word #:
8 of 14
to stand apart, i.e., (reflexively) to remove, intervene
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
10 of 14
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
Historical Context
A fathom equaled six feet, the span of a man's outstretched arms. Ancient lead lines often had tallow in the bottom to sample the seabed, helping sailors identify location. The decreasing depth indicated they approached Malta's coastline, though in darkness they couldn't see land. Modern soundings confirm Luke's accuracy—the approach to St. Paul's Bay matches these depths.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern God's guidance through both supernatural direction and practical wisdom?
- What 'soundings' help you recognize you're approaching God's intended destination?
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Analysis & Commentary
And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms—The Greek bolisantes (having taken soundings) describes dropping a weighted lead line to measure depth. Twenty fathoms (120 feet) confirmed approaching land. When they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms—decreasing depth from twenty to fifteen fathoms proved they neared shore. Luke's nautical precision validates his 'we' sections as genuine eyewitness testimony. This practical seamanship combined with Paul's prophetic word shows God's guidance includes both supernatural revelation and natural wisdom.