And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

ACTS 27:35KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 27:35 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:35 mean?

Acts 27:35 describes how Paul, while on a ship with others during a dangerous voyage, took bread, gave thanks to God in front of everyone, broke it, and began to eat. This verse shows Paul openly expressing gratitude to God and encouraging others by his example during a stressful time.

Paul is speaking to the crew and passengers on a ship that has been caught in a violent storm. The situation is tense, as everyone fears for their lives. By giving thanks and eating in front of them all, Paul demonstrates trust in God and helps calm the group, encouraging them to eat and take care of themselves after days without food.

The Greek behind Acts 27:35

  • εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō, "gave thanks"): This Greek word means to give thanks or express gratitude. Its use here highlights Paul's deliberate act of thanking God publicly, which would have stood out to both Jewish and non-Jewish listeners.
  • ἐνώπιον (enōpion, "in presence of"): This word means "in the presence of" or "before." The verse emphasizes that Paul’s prayer was not private but done openly, modeling faith for everyone on board.
  • κλάω (klaō, "broken"): This word means to break, often used for breaking bread. While it can refer to the Lord’s Supper in other contexts, here it simply describes the act of preparing to eat, showing normal human need in a crisis.

Why Acts 27:35 matters

  • Acts 27:35 clears up the idea that faith is only private or inward; Paul’s public thanksgiving shows faith can be lived out openly, even among those who may not share it.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing Paul’s leadership and calm under pressure, which helps encourage and steady the others on the ship.
  • This moment highlights the importance of gratitude and trust in God even in dire circumstances, setting an example for others to follow.

Where else these words appear

“broken” Greek G2806 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 14:19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Mark 8:19 When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
  • Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

“thanks” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“eat” Greek G2068 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 14:18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

“began” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.