Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

ACTS 27:31KJV
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Acts 27:31 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:31 mean?

Acts 27:31 records Paul warning the centurion and soldiers that unless certain people remain on the ship, no one can be saved. Paul insists that everyone’s safety depends on all staying together on the vessel during the storm.

Paul is speaking to Roman soldiers and their commander while they are caught in a violent storm at sea. Some sailors were trying to escape in a lifeboat, but Paul tells the authorities that survival is only possible if everyone stays aboard. The verse highlights Paul’s leadership and the seriousness of the situation, showing that following his advice is crucial for the group’s survival.

The Greek behind Acts 27:31

  • "μείνωσιν" (meinōsin, from μένω, G3306) means "abide" or "remain." Paul’s use of this word stresses the need for the sailors to stay on the ship, not just physically but as part of the group’s effort to survive.
  • "σωθῆτε" (sōthēte, from σῴζω, G4982) is translated "be saved." In this context, it refers to being rescued from physical danger, not spiritual salvation.
  • "οὐ δύνασθε" (ou dynasthe, G3756, G1410) means "you cannot." The Greek construction is strong, emphasizing that survival is impossible if the sailors leave.

Why Acts 27:31 matters

  • Acts 27:31 clarifies that Paul’s warning is about physical survival, not spiritual salvation, which helps avoid confusion about the meaning of "saved" in this context.
  • The verse shows Paul’s authority and practical wisdom during a crisis, which is a recurring theme in Acts as he guides both believers and non-believers.
  • This moment connects to the wider story of Acts 27, where cooperation and obedience to sound advice are shown as essential for overcoming danger.

Where else these words appear

“centurion” Greek G1543 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
  • Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
  • Acts 23:23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

“soldiers” Greek G4757 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
  • Acts 21:32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

“Except” Greek G3362 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
  • Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

“ship” Greek G4143 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 6:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
  • Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.