But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

ACTS 27:21KJV
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Acts 27:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:21 mean?

Acts 27:21 shows Paul standing up and telling the men on the ship that they should have listened to his earlier warning not to leave Crete, which would have spared them the trouble and loss they were now facing. Paul is reminding them of his advice after a long period without food, as the ship is caught in a dangerous storm.

Paul is speaking to the crew and passengers during a crisis at sea, after they have endured a long time without eating ("after long abstinence"). The situation is desperate, and Paul points out that their current hardship could have been avoided if they had heeded his earlier counsel. This sets the stage for Paul to offer further guidance and hope in the verses that follow.

The Greek behind Acts 27:21

  • "ἀποχῆς" (apochēs, abstinence): This word refers to going without food, highlighting just how dire the situation had become for everyone on board.
  • "ἔδει" (edei, should): This word carries the sense of necessity or obligation, emphasizing that listening to Paul was not just a suggestion but something they truly ought to have done.
  • "κερδαίνειν" (kerdainein, gained): In this context, it means "to avoid" or "to save," so Paul is saying they could have avoided the harm and loss.
  • "ζημία" (zēmia, loss) and "ὕβρις" (hybris, harm): These words together show that the consequences were both physical (loss of cargo or ship) and damaging (harm or injury).

Why Acts 27:21 matters

  • Acts 27:21 clarifies that Paul had previously warned the group, showing he was attentive and wise even before the crisis escalated.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of the situation on the ship, with everyone going without food and facing real danger, which sets up the importance of what Paul will say next.
  • This moment marks a turning point where Paul shifts from being just another passenger to someone whose voice carries authority and hope in the midst of disaster.

Where else these words appear

“harm” Greek G5196 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 27:10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

“hearkened” Greek G3980 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
  • Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
  • Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

“loss” Greek G2209 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 27:10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
  • Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
  • Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

“Crete” Greek G2914 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 27:7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
  • Acts 27:12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
  • Acts 27:13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.