Acts 27:29
Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
Original Language Analysis
φοβούμενοί
fearing
G5399
φοβούμενοί
fearing
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
1 of 15
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
εἰς
upon
G1519
εἰς
upon
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τόπους
rocks
G5117
τόπους
rocks
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
6 of 15
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
ἐκπέσωσιν
we should have fallen
G1601
ἐκπέσωσιν
we should have fallen
Strong's:
G1601
Word #:
7 of 15
to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 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
ῥίψαντες
they cast
G4496
ῥίψαντες
they cast
Strong's:
G4496
Word #:
10 of 15
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
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient anchors were iron or stone, stored at stern for quick deployment. The four-anchor spread provided maximum holding power in strong winds. Malta's St. Paul's Bay, the traditional landing site, features the described geography—a sandy beach between rocky promontories. Archaeological evidence confirms ancient shipwrecks in this location.
Questions for Reflection
- When you're 'near land' in your spiritual journey, how do you wait patiently for God's daylight rather than rushing blindly ahead?
- How does combining expert preparation with prayerful dependence characterize mature faith?
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Analysis & Commentary
Fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks—Malta's coastline combined sandy beaches with treacherous rocky outcrops. Grounding on rocks meant certain destruction; sandy beach offered survival hope. They cast four anchors out of the stern—normally anchors deployed from the bow, but stern anchors held the ship's head seaward, preventing beam-to-breakers orientation. This expert seamanship prepared for beach landing at daylight. And wished for the day (ηὔχοντο ἡμέραν γενέσθαι, were praying day to come)—the Greek suggests both natural desire and prayerful longing. Waiting for daylight with land so near required agonizing patience.