Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

ACTS 27:32KJV
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Acts 27:32 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:32 mean?

Acts 27:32 describes how the soldiers, during a dangerous storm at sea, cut the ropes holding the lifeboat and let it drift away. This action prevented anyone from escaping the ship in the small boat, forcing everyone to stay together on the main ship.

Paul, a prisoner on board, had just warned the centurion and soldiers that unless everyone stayed on the ship, they could not be saved. Some sailors had tried to sneak away in the lifeboat, but the soldiers responded by cutting the ropes, making escape impossible and ensuring the group’s unity for survival.

The Greek behind Acts 27:32

  • ἀπέκοψαν (apekopsan, "cut off"): This Greek word means to cut away or sever. The soldiers' action was decisive and irreversible, showing their commitment to following Paul’s warning.
  • σχοινίων (schoiniōn, "ropes"): This word refers specifically to ropes or cords, highlighting the practical step taken to remove the means of escape.
  • ἐᾶσαι (easai, "let [her] fall off"): This verb means to allow or let go, emphasizing that the soldiers did not just cut the ropes but allowed the boat to drift away, making sure it could not be used.

Why Acts 27:32 matters

  • Acts 27:32 clears up that the soldiers acted quickly and decisively to prevent a secret escape, showing their trust in Paul’s guidance during the crisis.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for everyone to remain together, which is a key theme in the surrounding story of the shipwreck.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative, where Paul’s leadership and God’s promise of safety for all on board are central to the unfolding events.

Where else these words appear

“ropes” Greek G4979 · used in 2 verses

  • John 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

“boat” Greek G4627 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 27:16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
  • Acts 27:30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

“off” Greek G609 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
  • Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
  • John 18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?

“let” Greek G1439 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
  • Acts 14:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
  • 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.