Acts 27:34
Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
Original Language Analysis
παρακαλῶ
I pray
G3870
παρακαλῶ
I pray
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
2 of 20
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
προσλαβεῖν
to take
G4355
προσλαβεῖν
to take
Strong's:
G4355
Word #:
4 of 20
to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)
τροφῆς·
some meat
G5160
τροφῆς·
some meat
Strong's:
G5160
Word #:
5 of 20
nourishment (literally or figuratively); by implication, rations (wages)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πρὸς
for
G4314
πρὸς
for
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 20
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπάρχει
is
G5225
ὑπάρχει
is
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
12 of 20
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
οὐδενὸς
not
G3762
οὐδενὸς
not
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
13 of 20
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
17 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
The promise 'not a hair fall' was ancient Semitic idiom for complete preservation (2 Samuel 14:11). Paul's use of this language with pagans shows Scripture's universal applicability. His credibility—proven by accurate storm prediction and angelic visitation—made this extraordinary promise believable even to skeptical soldiers and sailors.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise of complete preservation ('not a hair') demonstrate His concern for details in our lives?
- When has Scripture saturation enabled you to speak God's truth effectively in crisis?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This is for your health (Greek sōtērias, salvation/preservation)—Paul connected eating with survival. The same word used for spiritual salvation here means physical deliverance, showing Scripture's holistic anthropology. There shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you quotes proverbial language (1 Samuel 14:45, Luke 21:18) emphasizing God's meticulous care. Not one life—not even one hair—would be lost.
Paul's language echoes Jesus' assurance (Luke 12:7, 21:18), demonstrating how Scripture saturation shaped the apostle's speech even in crisis. His confidence wasn't presumption but reliance on divine promise (v. 23-24). The prisoner had become encourager, the accused become savior of his captors—foreshadowing the gospel's reversal of expectations.