And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

ACTS 27:39KJV
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Acts 27:39 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:39 mean?

Acts 27:39 describes how, at daybreak, the people on the ship could not recognize the land they saw, but they did notice a bay with a beach and decided to try to run the ship aground there if possible. The verse shows their hope for a safe landing after a long and dangerous storm at sea.

Paul is among a group of prisoners, sailors, and soldiers on a ship caught in a violent storm, as told by Luke, the author of Acts. As daylight comes, they finally spot land, but it is unfamiliar to them. Their decision to aim for the bay with a beach is a practical move, hoping to save themselves and the ship after being lost at sea.

The Greek behind Acts 27:39

  • "ἐπέγνωσαν" (epégnōsan, G1921) means "they knew" or "they recognized." The verse notes that they did not recognize the land, highlighting their uncertainty and unfamiliarity with the coastline.
  • "κόλπον" (kolpon, G2859) is translated as "creek" or "bay." This word often refers to a curved inlet or bay, suggesting a sheltered spot that might be safer for landing a ship.
  • "ἐβούλοντο" (eboulonto, G1011) means "they were minded" or "they intended." This shows their deliberate decision-making in a moment of crisis, not just acting on impulse but planning to run the ship aground if possible.
  • "ἐξῶσαι" (exōsai, G1856) means "to thrust in" or "to drive ashore." The Greek here carries the sense of intentionally running the ship onto the beach, not just drifting in.

Why Acts 27:39 matters

  • Acts 27:39 helps clarify that the sailors and passengers were not sure of their exact location, emphasizing the confusion and danger of their situation.
  • The verse highlights a turning point in the story, where the focus shifts from surviving the storm to making a risky but hopeful attempt at landing.
  • This detail connects to the larger narrative of Acts 27, showing the practical steps taken by those on board and setting up the events that follow, including the shipwreck and eventual rescue.

Where else these words appear

“in” Greek G1856 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 7:45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

“creek” Greek G2859 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
  • Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
  • John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

“shore” Greek G123 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
  • Matthew 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
  • Acts 21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

“minded” Greek G1011 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • John 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
  • Acts 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.