Acts 27:39

Authorized King James Version

And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ὅτε
when
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
#2
δέ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἡμέρα
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
#4
ἐγένετο
it was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#5
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
γῆν
the land
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#7
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#8
ἐπεγίνωσκον
they knew
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
#9
κόλπον
creek
the bosom; by analogy, a bay
#10
δέ
And
but, and, etc
#11
τινα
a certain
some or any person or object
#12
κατενόουν
they discovered
to observe fully
#13
ἔχοντα
with
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#14
αἰγιαλὸν
a shore
a beach (on which the waves dash)
#15
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#16
ὃν
the which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#17
ἐβουλεύσαντο,
they were minded
to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve
#18
εἰ
if
if, whether, that, etc
#19
δύναιντο
it were possible
to be able or possible
#20
ἐξῶσαι
to thrust in
to expel; by implication, to propel
#21
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
πλοῖον
the ship
a sailer, i.e., vessel

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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