And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

ACTS 27:20KJV
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Acts 27:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:20 mean?

Acts 27:20 describes a desperate moment during Paul’s sea voyage to Rome when, after many days of violent storm and total darkness, everyone on board lost hope of being rescued. The verse highlights the overwhelming fear and sense of helplessness that overtook the ship’s crew and passengers.

Paul is traveling as a prisoner to Rome, accompanied by other prisoners, sailors, and soldiers. A fierce storm has battered the ship for days, blocking out the sun and stars, which sailors depended on for navigation. The verse captures the emotional low point of the journey, showing how completely the storm had crushed their confidence in survival.

The Greek behind Acts 27:20

  • ἥλιος (hēlios, “sun”) and ἄστρα (astra, “stars”): These words point to the total darkness at sea, emphasizing that the usual means of navigation were gone, making the situation especially dire for ancient sailors.
  • ἐλπὶς (elpis, “hope”): The Greek word here often carries the sense of confident expectation, not just wishful thinking. The verse says all such hope was “taken away,” stressing the depth of despair.
  • σωθῆναι (sōthēnai, “to be saved”): In this context, this word refers to physical rescue from the storm, not spiritual salvation, clarifying the immediate danger facing everyone on board.

Why Acts 27:20 matters

  • Acts 27:20 helps readers understand just how severe the storm was and why the people on the ship were so afraid, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.
  • The verse shows the limits of human ability and knowledge, as even experienced sailors could do nothing without the sun and stars to guide them.
  • This moment of lost hope makes the later rescue and Paul’s encouragement stand out even more, highlighting the contrast between human despair and the possibility of deliverance.

Where else these words appear

“stars” Greek G798 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
  • Acts 7:43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
  • Hebrews 11:12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

“appeared” Greek G2014 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
  • Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
  • Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

“was” Greek G4014 · used in 4 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
  • Hebrews 10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

“tempest” Greek G5494 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
  • Matthew 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
  • John 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.