Acts 27:32
Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 12
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατιῶται
the soldiers
G4757
στρατιῶται
the soldiers
Strong's:
G4757
Word #:
3 of 12
a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)
ἀπέκοψαν
cut off
G609
ἀπέκοψαν
cut off
Strong's:
G609
Word #:
4 of 12
to amputate; reflexively (by irony) to mutilate (the privy parts)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σχοινία
the ropes
G4979
σχοινία
the ropes
Strong's:
G4979
Word #:
6 of 12
of uncertain derivation); a rushlet, i.e., grass-withe or tie (generally)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκάφης
of the boat
G4627
σκάφης
of the boat
Strong's:
G4627
Word #:
8 of 12
a "skiff" (as if dug out), or yawl (carried aboard a large vessel for landing)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Roman soldiers were trained for instant obedience to command. The centurion's trust in Paul's judgment over maritime custom shows extraordinary confidence. Destroying the lifeboat represented significant risk—if Paul was wrong, all escape means were gone. This occurred during the fourteenth night adrift (v. 27) in Adria (between Greece, Italy, and Africa).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'lifeboats' of self-reliance must you cut loose to fully trust God's promises?
- How does eliminating backup plans that contradict God's direction strengthen faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat—Decisive action prevented disaster. The soldiers' immediate obedience to Paul (via the centurion) contrasts sharply with the sailors' deception. This military discipline saved all 276 lives aboard. The Greek apekopsan (cut off) implies swift, irreversible action—no time for debate when survival required instant obedience.
Cutting loose the lifeboat was humanly counterintuitive; it eliminated apparent means of escape, forcing total dependence on God's promise and the sailors' continued presence. Sometimes faith requires destroying 'backup plans' that contradict divine direction. The soldiers' action illustrates how God uses authority structures (military hierarchy) to accomplish His purposes.