Acts 27:29

Authorized King James Version

Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
φοβούμενοί
fearing
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
#2
τε
Then
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#3
μήπως
lest
lest somehow
#4
εἰς
upon
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#5
τραχεῖς
uneven, rocky (reefy)
#6
τόπους
rocks
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
#7
ἐκπέσωσιν
we should have fallen
to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient
#8
ἐκ
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#9
πρύμνης
the stern
the stern of a ship
#10
ῥίψαντες
they cast
to fling (properly, with a quick toss, thus differing from g0906, which denotes a deliberate hurl; and from ????? (see in g1614), which indicates an e
#11
ἀγκύρας
G45
anchors
an "anchor" (as crooked)
#12
τέσσαρας
four
four
#13
ηὔχοντο
and wished
to wish; by implication, to pray to god
#14
ἡμέραν
for the day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#15
γενέσθαι
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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