Acts 27:30

Authorized King James Version

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ναυτῶν
as the shipmen
a boatman, i.e., seaman
#4
ζητούντων
were about
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#5
φυγεῖν
to flee
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
#6
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
#7
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
πλοίου
the ship
a sailer, i.e., vessel
#9
καὶ
when
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
χαλασάντων
they had let down
to lower (as into a void)
#11
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
σκάφην
the boat
a "skiff" (as if dug out), or yawl (carried aboard a large vessel for landing)
#13
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#14
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
θάλασσαν
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#16
προφάσει
under colour
an outward showing, i.e., pretext
#17
ὡς
as though
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#18
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
#19
πρώρας
the foreship
the prow, i.e., forward part of a vessel
#20
μελλόντων
they would
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
#21
ἀγκύρας
G45
anchors
an "anchor" (as crooked)
#22
ἐκτείνειν
have cast
to extend

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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