Acts 27:41

Authorized King James Version

And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
περιπεσόντες
falling
to fall into something that is all around, i.e., light among or upon, be surrounded with
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#4
τόπον
a place
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
#5
διθάλασσον
where two seas met
having two seas, i.e., a sound with a double outlet
#6
ἐπώκειλαν
aground
to drive upon the shore, i.e., to beach a vessel
#7
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ναῦν
the ship
a boat (of any size)
#9
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
μὲν
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#12
πρῷρα
the forepart
the prow, i.e., forward part of a vessel
#13
ἐρείσασα
stuck fast
to prop, i.e., (reflexively) get fast
#14
ἔμεινεν
and remained
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
#15
ἀσάλευτος
unmoveable
unshaken, i.e., (by implication) immovable (figuratively)
#16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#18
πρύμνα
the hinder part
the stern of a ship
#19
ἐλύετο
was broken
to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)
#20
ὑπὸ
with
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#21
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
βίας
the violence
force
#23
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
κυμάτων
of the waves
a billow (as bursting or toppling)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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