And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

ACTS 27:28KJV
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Acts 27:28 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:28 mean?

Acts 27:28 describes how the sailors on Paul’s ship measured the depth of the sea as they approached land, first finding it to be twenty fathoms deep, and then, after traveling a bit farther, finding it to be fifteen fathoms. This showed they were getting closer to shore, which was important for their safety during a dangerous storm.

In this scene, Luke is narrating the events as Paul and others are sailing toward Rome and facing a violent storm. The sailors are using a common method of the time—lowering a weighted line into the water—to check how deep the sea is beneath them. The decreasing depth signals that land is near, which would have been both a warning and a hope for those on board.

The Greek behind Acts 27:28

  • "sounded" (ἐμβαλοῦντες, transliterated as embalon, from G1001): This Greek word refers to the act of taking a depth measurement by lowering a line into the water. It highlights the practical, nautical skill being used in the story.
  • "fathoms" (ὀργυιάς, transliterated as orguias, from G3712): This word means a unit of measure roughly equal to six feet, used for measuring water depth. Knowing the actual distance helps readers picture how quickly the ship was approaching land.
  • "gone further" (διαστήσαντες, transliterated as diastēsantes, from G1339): This word means to move forward or go a little farther. It shows the careful, step-by-step approach the sailors took as they neared the unknown shore.

Why Acts 27:28 matters

  • Acts 27:28 gives a vivid, historical detail that helps readers understand the real danger the ship faced as it neared land in a storm, making the story more immediate and believable.
  • The verse shows the sailors’ experience and caution, emphasizing their efforts to avoid shipwreck by carefully monitoring their approach to shore.
  • This detail sets up the tension for the following verses, where the ship’s safety and the lives of those on board hang in the balance, highlighting God’s care and the unfolding drama of Paul’s journey.