Acts 27:39
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἡμέρα
day
G2250
ἡμέρα
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
3 of 22
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
ἐγένετο
it was
G1096
ἐγένετο
it was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
the land
G1093
γῆν
the land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
6 of 22
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἐπεγίνωσκον
they knew
G1921
ἐπεγίνωσκον
they knew
Strong's:
G1921
Word #:
8 of 22
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
ἔχοντα
with
G2192
ἔχοντα
with
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
13 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὃν
the which
G3739
ὃν
the which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
16 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐβουλεύσαντο,
they were minded
G1011
ἐβουλεύσαντο,
they were minded
Strong's:
G1011
Word #:
17 of 22
to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve
Historical Context
The location was later identified as Malta's St. Paul's Bay (Acts 28:1). The sailors' unfamiliarity isn't surprising; Malta was off main shipping lanes. Ancient navigation relied on coastal landmarks; in unfamiliar waters, finding a sandy beach rather than cliffs was crucial for safe grounding. The 'creek with a shore' (suitable beach) was providentially ideal for their desperate need.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty provide specific, practical solutions to desperate circumstances?
- What does the sailors' cautious assessment despite divine promise teach about faith and prudence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When it was day, they knew not the land—Daylight revealed unfamiliar coastline. The Greek epegīnōskon (recognized) indicates the sailors, despite Mediterranean experience, didn't recognize this location. Yet they discovered a certain creek with a shore—God's providence provided ideal landing. The kolpon (bay/creek) with beach offered protected waters for running aground, better than rocky coast.
If it were possible, to thrust in the ship shows cautious planning despite divine promise. Faith doesn't mean presumption; they assessed conditions carefully. The passive 'they were minded' (Greek ebouleuonto, deliberated) indicates corporate decision-making. Even with God's guarantee, human wisdom and prudent planning remained necessary—another example of divine sovereignty working through human means.