Acts 27:40
And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιελόντες
when they had taken up
G4014
περιελόντες
when they had taken up
Strong's:
G4014
Word #:
4 of 24
to remove all around, i.e., unveil, cast off (anchor); figuratively, to expiate
εἰς
themselves unto
G1519
εἰς
themselves unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅμα
and
G260
ἅμα
and
Strong's:
G260
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association
ἀνέντες
loosed
G447
ἀνέντες
loosed
Strong's:
G447
Word #:
10 of 24
to let up, i.e., (literally) slacken or (figuratively) desert, desist from
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρτέμονα
the mainsail
G736
ἀρτέμονα
the mainsail
Strong's:
G736
Word #:
18 of 24
properly, something ready (or else more remotely from g0142 (compare g0740); something hung up), i.e., (specially) the topsail (rather foresail or jib
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατεῖχον
and made
G2722
κατεῖχον
and made
Strong's:
G2722
Word #:
21 of 24
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
themselves unto
G1519
εἰς
themselves unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
22 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean ships used large side-mounted steering oars (not stern rudders). These were tied or lashed when anchored to prevent damage. The artemōn (foresail) was smaller than the mainsail, used for maneuvering in tight situations. Running a ship aground intentionally was last-resort tactic, virtually guaranteeing the ship's destruction while hopefully saving passengers. The maneuver required skill, timing, and considerable courage.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'committing to the sea' illustrate faith's requirement to move forward despite fear?
- What does the technical precision of this final effort teach about combining faith with competent action?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When they had taken up the anchors—The Greek perielontes (casting off) suggests they cut or released anchors rather than retrieving them, prioritizing speed over salvage. They committed themselves unto the sea captures desperate faith—no turning back. Loosed the rudder bands indicates previously lashed steering oars (ancient ships used side-mounted oars for steering) were freed for navigation. Hoised up the mainsail (Greek artemōna, small foresail) caught wind to drive toward shore.
This verse displays nautical expertise Luke accurately recorded. Every technical detail—anchors, rudders, foresail—was necessary for the final beach approach. Their coordinated action demonstrated professional competence combined with desperate courage. God's promise of deliverance didn't eliminate the terrifying final run to shore; it sustained them through it.