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Acts 27:17

Acts 27:17 in Multiple Translations

After hoisting it up, the crew used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along.

Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

and when they had hoisted it up, they used helps, under-girding the ship; and, fearing lest they should be cast upon the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and so were driven.

And having got it up, they put cords under and round the ship; but fearing that they might be pushed on to the Syrtis, they let down the sails and so went running before the wind.

After hoisting it aboard, the sailors bound ropes around the hull to strengthen it. Then, worried that they would be wrecked on the Syrtis banks, they lowered the sea anchor and allowed the ship to be driven along.

Which they tooke vp and vsed all helpe, vndergirding the ship, fearing least they should haue fallen into Syrtes, and they strake saile, and so were caried.

which having taken up, they were using helps, undergirding the ship, and fearing lest they may fall on the quicksand, having let down the mast — so were borne on.

After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along.

Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, struck sail, and so were driven.

Which being taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship, and fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, they let down the sail yard, and so were driven.

After the sailors hoisted/lifted the lifeboat onto the ship, they tied ropes around the ship’s hull to strengthen the ship. The sailors were afraid that, because the wind was pushing the ship, it might run onto the sandbanks off the coast of Libya to the south and get stuck there. So they lowered the largest sail so that the ship would move slower. Even so, the wind continued to move the ship along. The wind and the waves continued to toss the ship about roughly, so on the next day the sailors began to throw overboard the things that the ship was carrying.

After that, the ship-men tied ropes around the middle of the ship to make it stronger, so the big waves would not break it. The wind was pushing the ship very fast, and the ship-men reckoned we might hit the sand-bars near Libya country, and get stuck there, so they got a big bag on a rope, and they threw it out behind the ship and let it drag in the water. This made the ship slow down a bit, but the wind kept on blowing it along.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 27:17

BAB
Word Study

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Acts 27:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ην αραντες βοηθειαις εχρωντο υποζωννυντες το πλοιον φοβουμενοι τε μη εις την συρτην εκπεσωσιν χαλασαντες το σκευος ουτως εφεροντο
ην hos, hē G3739 which Rel-ASF
αραντες airō G142 to take up Verb-AAP-NPM
βοηθειαις boētheia G996 help Noun-DPF
εχρωντο chraō G5530 to use Verb-INI-3P
υποζωννυντες hupozōnnumi G5269 to undergird Verb-PAP-NPM
το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN
πλοιον ploion G4143 boat Noun-ASN
φοβουμενοι phobeō G5399 to fear Verb-PNP-NPM
τε te G5037 and/both Particle
μη G3361 not Particle-N
εις eis G1519 toward Prep
την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF
συρτην surtis G4950 Syrtis Noun-ASF
εκπεσωσιν ekpiptō G1601 to fall out Verb-2AAS-3P
χαλασαντες chalaō G5465 to lower Verb-AAP-NPM
το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN
σκευος skeuos G4632 vessel Noun-ASN
ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 thus(-ly) Adv
εφεροντο pherō G5342 to bear/lead Verb-IPI-3P
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 27:17

ην hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-ASF
The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.
Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.
αραντες airō G142 "to take up" Verb-AAP-NPM
Means to lift up or take away, used in John 8:59 to describe Jesus escaping, and in John 1:29 to describe Jesus taking away sin.
Definition: αἴρω, [in LXX chiefly for נשׂא, also for לקח, etc. ;] __1. to raise, take up, lift or draw up: Jhn.8:59 11:41, Act.27:17, al. __2. to bear, carry: Mat.4:6 16:24, al. __3. to bear or take away, carry off, remove: Mat.21:21, Jhn.19:31, 1Co.5:12 6:15 (see Lft., Notes, 216), al.; of the taking away sin by Christ, Jhn.1:29, 1Jn.3:5. (Cf. ἀπ᾽, ἐξ-, ἐπ-, μετ-, συν-, ὑπερ-αίρω). For exx. from π., see MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 98 NT verses. KJV: away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:15; Luke 19:21; Revelation 10:5.
βοηθειαις boētheia G996 "help" Noun-DPF
Help means giving aid or assistance, like in Hebrews 4:16. It can also refer to a rope or chain used to stabilize a ship, as in Acts 27:17.
Definition: βοήθεια, -ας, ἡ (see: βοηθέω), [in LXX for עֵזֶר, etc. ;] help: Heb.4:16; pl., helps, "frapping," a technical nautical term (MM, Exp., x; DB, ext., 367): Act.27:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: help See also: Acts 27:17; Hebrews 4:16.
εχρωντο chraō G5530 "to use" Verb-INI-3P
This word means to use or employ something, as in Acts 27:17, where it describes using a ship's lifeboat, or to act towards someone in a certain way, as in 1 Corinthians 9:12.
Definition: χράομαι, χρῶμαι (χρή), [in LXX for עָשָׂה, etc. ;] to use, make use of: with dative (cf. M, Pr., 64, 158), Act.27:17, 1Co.9:12 9:15, 1Ti.1:8 5:23; μᾶλλον χρῆσαι (i.e. the opportunity; see M, Pr., 247), 1Co.7:21; as some­times in late writers (cf. M, Pr., 64; Lft., Notes, 233), with accusative, 1Co.7:31; of feelings, etc., to exercise, shew: 2Co.1:17 3:12; with adv., ἀποτόμως, to deal sharply, 2Co.13:10; with dative of person(s) (cl.), to treat, deal with, Act.27:3.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: entreat, use See also: 1 Corinthians 7:21; 1 Timothy 5:23; Acts 27:17.
υποζωννυντες hupozōnnumi G5269 "to undergird" Verb-PAP-NPM
To undergird means to gird or support something from underneath, like a ship with cables. In Acts 27:17, it describes securing a ship with ropes to prevent it from breaking apart.
Definition: ὑπο-ζώννυμι [in LXX: 2Ma.3:19 * ;] to undergird (Hdt., al.; ὑπὸ τ. μάστους, 2Mac, l.with); of a ship, to undergird or frap: Act.27:17 (see DB, ext. 367a).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: undergirt See also: Acts 27:17.
το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
πλοιον ploion G4143 "boat" Noun-ASN
This word refers to a boat or ship, like the ones mentioned in Matthew 4:21-22 where Jesus calls his disciples. It's a vessel for sailing or traveling on water, used for transportation or fishing. This word is commonly used in the Gospels and Acts.
Definition: πλοῖον, -ον, τό (πλέω), [in LXX chiefly for אֳנִיָּה ;] a boat, also (= obsolete ναῦς) a ship: Mat.4:21-22, and frequently in Gosp. and Ac, Jas.3:4, Rev.8:9 18:19. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 63 NT verses. KJV: ship(-ing) See also: Acts 20:13; Luke 8:37; James 3:4.
φοβουμενοι phobeō G5399 "to fear" Verb-PNP-NPM
To fear means to be alarmed or in awe of something, like God's power. In the New Testament, it often means to reverence or respect, as in Matthew 10:31.
Definition: φοβέέω, ῶ (φόβος) [in LXX chiefly for מִן יָרֵא ;] __1. in Hem., to put to flight. Pass., to be put to flight, to flee affrighted __2. to terrify, frighten (Wis 179; Hdt. and Att..). Pass. (so always in NT; cf. M, Pr., 162), to be seized with fear, be affrighted, fear: Mat.10:31 14:27, Mrk.5:33 6:50, Luk.1:13 8:50, Jhn.6:19 12:15, Act.16:38, al.; opposite to ὑψηλοφρονεῖν, Rom.11:20; σφόδρα, Mat.17:6 27:54; with cogn. accusative, φόβον μέγαν, Mrk.4:41, Luk.2:9 (1Ma.10:8); φόβον αὐτῶν (obj, genitive, but cf. ICC, in l), 1Pe.3:14; πτόησιν, 1Pe.3:6; with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:26, Mrk.11:18, Luk.19:21, Jhn.9:22, Act.9:26, Rom.13:3, al.; before ἀπό (like Heb. יָרֵא, Jer.1:8, al.; cf. M, Pr., 102, 104n„), Mat.10:28, Luk.12:4; before μή (cl.; Bl., § 65, 3; M, Pr., 184 f.), Act.23:10 27:17; μήπως, Act.27:29, 2Co.11:3 12:20, Gal.4:11; μήποτε, Heb.4:1; with inf. (Bl., § 69, 4; M, Pr., 205), Mat.1:20, Mrk.9:32, al.; of reverential fear: Mrk.6:20, Eph.5:33; τ. θεόν, Luk.1:50, Act.10:2, 1Pe.2:17, Rev.14:7, al.; τ. κύριον, Col.3:22, Rev.15:4; τ. ὄνομα τ. θεοῦ (see: ὄνομα), Rev.11:18; οἱ φοβούμενοι τ. θεόν, of proselytes, Act.13:16, 26 (cf. ἐκ-φοβέω) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence See also: 1 John 4:18; Luke 12:7; 1 Peter 2:17.
τε te G5037 "and/both" Particle
A conjunction meaning and or both, used to connect words or ideas closely. Found in Matthew 28:12 and Acts 2:33, it shows a strong link between things.
Definition: τέ, enclitic copulative particle (= Lat. -que as καί = and, ac, atque, not very frequently in NT, more than two-thirds of the occurrences being in Ac. __1. τέ solitarium, and, denoting a closer affinity than καί between words and sentences which it connects (BL, §77, 8): Mat.28:12, Jhn.4:42, Act.2:33, 37 40 10:22 11:21, al. __2. Denoting a closer connection than simple καί, τὲ . . . καί, τὲ καί, τὲ . . . τέ (Act.26:16 Rom.14:8), as well . . . as also, both . . . and: Luk.12:45, Act.1:1 15:9, 21:30, al.; τὲ . . . δέ, and . . . and, Act.19:2; τὲ γάρ . . . ὁμοίως δὲ καί, Rom.1:26, 27. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: also, and, both, even, then, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 1:3.
μη G3361 "not" Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep
This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.
Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.
την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
συρτην surtis G4950 "Syrtis" Noun-ASF
Syrtis refers to a large bay on the north coast of Africa, known for its treacherous sandbanks, as mentioned in Acts 27:17.
Definition: Σύρτις (L, σῦρτις), -εως, accusative -ιν, ἡ, Syrtis, the name of two large sand-banks on the Libyan coast: Act.27:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: quicksands See also: Acts 27:17.
εκπεσωσιν ekpiptō G1601 "to fall out" Verb-2AAS-3P
To fall out or away from something, like a ship driven off course. In Acts 12:7, it describes chains falling away from Peter's hands. It can also mean to lose or become inefficient, like withering flowers in James 1:11.
Definition: ἐκ-πίπτω [in LXX: Isa.40:8 28:1, 4 (הֶבֶל), Job.14:2 (מָלַל, see RV. mg), Job.15:30 (סוּר), Job.15:33 (שָׁלַךְ hi.), etc. ;] to fall out of, fall from, fall off: before ἐκ τ. χειρῶν, Act.12:7; absol., Act.27:32; of the withering of flowers (as LXX, ll with), Jas.1:11, 1Pe.1:24" (LXX) ; of navigators falling off from a straight course, Act.27:17, 26 27:29 Metaphorical, with genitive of thing(s): Gal.5:4, 2Pe.3:17; absol., fall from its place, fail, perish: Rom.9:6.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: be cast, fail, fall (away, off), take none effect See also: 1 Corinthians 13:8; Acts 27:29; 1 Peter 1:24.
χαλασαντες chalaō G5465 "to lower" Verb-AAP-NPM
To lower something means to bring it down, like the friends of a paralyzed man in Mark 2:4. It can also mean to let go or release something. This word is used in various contexts, including Acts 9:25.
Definition: χαλάω, -ῶ [in LXX: (Jer.38:6) (שָׁלַח pi.), etc. ;] __(a) to slacken, loosen; __(b) to let loose, let go; __(with) to lower, let down: with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.2:4, Luk.5:4-5, Act.9:25 27:17, 30; with accusative of person(s) (cf. Je, l.with), pass., 2Co.11:33.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: let down, strike See also: 2 Corinthians 11:33; Acts 27:30; Mark 2:4.
το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
σκευος skeuos G4632 "vessel" Noun-ASN
A vessel or implement, this word can refer to a container, a wife, or even a ship's sail. It appears in Mark 11:16 and Revelation 18:12, highlighting its various uses.
Definition: σκεῦος, -ους, τό [in LXX chiefly for כְּלִי ;] a vessel, implement (for exx. in various senses, see MM, xxii): Mrk.11:16, Luk.8:16, Jhn.19:29, Act.10:11, 16 11:5, Rom.9:21, Rev.18:12; pl., 2Ti.2:20, Rev.2:27; τὰ σ. τῆς λειτουργίας, Heb.9:21; pl., τὰ σ., utensils, goods, Mat.12:29, Mrk.3:27, Luk.17:31; id. of the tackle or gear of a ship (Xen., Polyb., al.); so in sing., τὸ σ., Act.27:17. Metaphorical, of persons: σ. ἐκλογῆς, Act.9:15; ὀργῆς, Rom.9:22; ἐλέους, Rom.9:23; σ. εἰς τιμήν (cf. Rom.9:21), 2Ti.2:21; of woman, ἀσθενέστερον σ., 1Pe.3:7; so perh. τ. ἑαυτοῦ σ., 1Th.4:4 (but see infr.); of the body, 2Co.4:7; so perh. 1Th.4:4 (but see supr., and see: κτάομαι).† κτάομαι, -ῶμαι [in LXX chiefly for קָנָה ;] in pres., impf., fut. and aor., to procure for oneself, get, gain, acquire (the pf. and plpf., to have acquired, hence to possess, do not occur in NT): with accusative of thing(s), Mat.10:9, Luk.18:12, Act.8:20; with genitive pret., Act.22:28; ἐκ with genitive pret., Act.1:18; τ,ψυχὰς ὑμῶν (MM, xvi), Luk.21:19; τ. ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος κτᾶσθαι, 1Th.4:4 (where if σ. = body, κ. must = pf., κέκτημαι; see MM, xvi; M, Th., in l; Field, Notes, 72 f. But σ. is most frequently taken as = wife; see Thayer, see word; Lft., Notes, 53 ff.; ICC, in l).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 22 NT verses. KJV: goods, sail, stuff, vessel See also: 1 Peter 3:7; John 19:29; Hebrews 9:21.
ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 "thus(-ly)" Adv
Thus means in this way or like this, as when Jesus teaches us to pray in Matthew 5:16 and Luke 1:25.
Definition: οὕτως, rarely (Bl., §5, 4; WH, App., 146f.) οὕτω, adv. (οὗτος), [in LXX chiefly for כֵּן ;] in this way, so, thus; __1. referring to what precedes: Mat.5:16 6:30, Mrk.10:43 14:59, Luk.1:25 2:48 15:7, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:15, 1Co.8:12, al.; οὕτως καί, Mat.17:12, Mrk.13:29, al.; pleonastically, resuming a ptcp. (cl.; see Bl., §74, 6), Act.20:11 27:17. __2. Referring to what follows: Mat.1:18 6:9, Luk.19:31, Jhn.21:1, 1Pe.2:15; bef. quotations from OT, Mat.2:5, Act.7:6, 1Co.15:45, Heb.4:4. __3. C. adj. (marking intensity): Heb.12:21, Rev.16:18; similarly with adv., Gal.1:6 (cl.). __4. As a predicate (Bl., §76, 1): Mat.1:18 9:33, Mrk.2:1, 2 4:26, Rom.4:18 9:20, I Pe 2:15; οὕ ἔχειν (Lat. sic or ita se habere), Act.7:1, al.; ἐκαθέζετο (as he was, without delay or preparation), Jhn.4:6. __5. In comparison, with correlative adv.: καθάπερ . . . οὕ., Rom.12:4, 5 al.; καθὼς . . . οὕ., Luk.11:30, al.; οὕ. . . . καθώς, Luk.24:24, al.; ὡς . . . οὕ., Rom.5:15, al.; οὕ . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, al; ὥσπερ . . . οὕ., Mat.12:40, al.; οὕ. . . . οὕ., 1Co.7:7. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 206 NT verses. KJV: after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; James 3:10; 1 Peter 2:15.
εφεροντο pherō G5342 "to bear/lead" Verb-IPI-3P
To bear or lead, meaning to carry or support something or someone, as seen in Luke 23:26 and Hebrews 1:3. It can also mean to endure or bring something forward. This word is used in various contexts, including physical and mental support.
Definition: φέρω [in LXX chiefly for בּוֹא. hi., also for נָשָׂא, etc. ;] to bear; __1. to bear, carry: with accusative, Luk.23:26 24:1, Jhn.19:39, Heb.1:3 (see Westc., in l); pass., Act.2:2 27:15, 17 Heb.6:1, 2Pe.1:17-18; of the mind, 2Pe.1:21. __2. to bear, endure: with accusative of thing(s), Heb.12:20 13:13; with accusative of person(s), Rom.9:22. __3. to bring, bring forward: with accusative of person(s), Act.5:16; id. before πρός, Mrk.1:32 2:3 9:17, 19-20; ἐπί, Luk.5:18; with dative, Mrk.7:32 8:22; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.6:27 11:2 12:15, Luk.15:23, Act.4:34, 37 5:2, 2Ti.4:13; id. before πρός, Mrk.11:7; εἰς, Rev.21:24, 26; ἐπί, Mat.14:11, Mrk.6:28; ἀπό, Jhn.21:10; with dative, Mrk.12:15, Jhn.2:8; id. before ὧδε, Mat.14:18 17:17; before φαγεῖν (sc. τι), Jhn.4:33; τ. δάκτυλον (χεῖρα), Jhn.20:27; pass., ἡ χάρις, 1Pe.1:13; διδαχήν, II Jn 10; θάνατον (cf. Field, Notes, 230), Heb.9:16; κρίσιν, 2Pe.2:11; κατηγορίαν, Jhn.18:29; αἰτίαν, Act.25:18; αἰτιώματα, Act.25:7, Rec. __4. to bear, produce, bring forth: καρπόν, Mat.7:18, Mrk.4:8, Jhn.12:24 15:2, 4-5 15:8, 16. __5. to bring, lead: Mrk.15:22, Jhn.21:18, Act.14:13; metaphorically, of a gate (ὁδός, cl.), Seq. εἰς, Act.12:10 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, δια-, εἰσ-, παρ-εισ-, ἐκ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, -παρα-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπο-φέρω).† SYN: φορέω, which expresses habitual and continuous bearing as distinct from (φέρω) that which is accidental and temporary (cf. Mat.11:8, al., see word φορέω, and see Tr., Syn., § lviii) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: be, bear, bring (forth), carry, come, + let her drive, be driven, endure, go on, lay, lead, move, reach, rushing, uphold See also: 1 Peter 1:13; John 15:16; Hebrews 1:3.

Study Notes — Acts 27:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 27:29 Fearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.
2 Acts 27:26 However, we must run aground on some island.”
3 Acts 27:41 But the vessel struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was being broken up by the pounding of the waves.

Acts 27:17 Summary

[In Acts 27:17, the crew took action to secure the ship by undergirding it with ropes and lowering the sea anchor, which shows us that we must also take practical steps to secure our spiritual lives. This means trusting in God's power and provision, as seen in Ephesians 3:16-17, and being anchored in our faith, as described in Hebrews 6:19-20. By doing so, we can withstand the storms of life and trust that God is in control, as promised in Romans 8:28. Just as the crew worked together to save the ship, we must also work together with God to secure our spiritual lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'undergird' the ship in Acts 27:17?

To undergird the ship means to pass ropes under the hull for support, which was done to prevent the ship from breaking apart in the storm, similar to how the Apostle Paul used the metaphor of being 'undergirded' by the power of God in Ephesians 3:16-17 and 6:10-18.

What were the 'sandbars of Syrtis' that the crew feared running aground on?

The sandbars of Syrtis were a notorious stretch of shallow waters off the coast of North Africa, known for shipwrecks, as mentioned in Acts 27:17, and it was a significant concern for the crew, highlighting the dangers of navigating the sea, as also warned in Matthew 7:24-27.

Why did the crew lower the 'sea anchor' in Acts 27:17?

The crew lowered the sea anchor to stabilize the ship and prevent it from being driven further onto the sandbars, demonstrating their effort to save the ship, much like how we must anchor our faith in Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 6:19-20.

How does this verse relate to our spiritual lives?

This verse reminds us that, just as the ship needed to be stabilized and secured, we also need to be anchored in our faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 34:17-20 and Matthew 6:25-34.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can 'undergird' my own spiritual life to withstand the storms of life?
  2. How do I respond to fears and uncertainties, like the crew's fear of running aground, and what can I learn from their actions?
  3. What does it mean to be 'driven along' by circumstances, and how can I trust God in those situations, as seen in Acts 27:17 and Romans 8:28?
  4. In what ways can I, like the crew, take practical steps to secure my spiritual 'ship' and prevent spiritual shipwreck, as warned in 1 Timothy 1:19-20?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 27:17

Which when they had taken up,.... When they had got the boat into the ship: they used helps; the mariners made use of other persons, called in the assistance of the soldiers, and passengers, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 27:17

Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 27:17

They used helps; not only using all instruments fit for their purpose, but all hands were employed too. Undergirding the ship, with cables, to keep the sides of the ship the closer and faster together. The quicksands: there were two quicksands especially famous in Africa, the one the greater, the other the lesser, called Syrtes, because these mountabes of sand under water did seem, as it were, to draw and suck up ships, they were so soon swallowed up by them. Strake sail; by the word here used, sails and their tackle, or the top-mast, may be understood decks.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 27:17

17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. Ver. 17. Undergirding the ship] With trusses or strong ropes, for fear lest she should split.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 27:17

(17) They used helps, undergirding the ship.—The word “helps” answers to what we should call “precautions,” or “remedial measures.” The process described, technically known as “frapping,” consisted in carrying a strong cable several times round the ship from stem to stern, so as to keep the planks from starting, and guard against the consequent leakage. The practice has always been a common one. Thucydides (i. 29) mentions the Corcyreans as having recourse to it. The Russian ships taken in the Tagus in 1808 were kept together in this manner in consequence of their age and unsound condition (Arnold, on Thuc. i. 29). We have probably an allusion to it in the lines of Horace (Od. i. 14). “Ac sine funibus, Vix durare carinæ, Possint imperiosius Æquor.” [“And scarcely can our keels keep sound, E’en with the ropes that gird them round, Against the imperious wave.”] Fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands.—Literally, the Syrtis. There were two quicksands of this name, the Greater and the Lesser, on the north coast of Africa. The former lay just to the west of Cyrene, the latter further west, and nearer Carthage. St. Luke probably speaks of the Greater. These quicksands were the terror of all Mediterranean sailors (Jos. Wars, ii. 16, § 4). A fine description of them is given by the Evangelist’s namesake, Lucan, in his Pharsalia (ix. 303-310): “When Nature gave the world its primal form, She left the Syrtes neither sea nor land. There neither sinks the shore and welcomes in The deep sea’s waters, nor the coast can hold Its own against the waves, and none can track Their way within the uncertain region’s bounds. The seas are marred with shallows, and the land Is broken by the billows, and the surge Beats on the shore loud-sounding. Nature leaves This spot accursed, and of use to none.” Comp. Milton’s Paradise Lost, ii. 939: “Quenched in a boggy Syrtes, neither sea Nor good dry land. The voyagers knew that the gale was bearing them in that direction, and did not dare to let the ship sail on full before the wind any longer. Strake sail.—The English fails to give the sense of the original. Had they struck sail altogether the ship would simply have drifted in the very direction which they were anxious to avoid. Some sail was absolutely necessary to keep the ship steady. What is meant is that they “lowered the ship’s gear,” the spars and rigging, and especially, perhaps, the heavy yard and ropes which the ancient ships carried, and which would, in such a gale, make the ship top-heavy. And so were driven.—Better, thus—i.e., in this state, undergirded and with storm-sails set. They aimed at sailing as close as possible to the wind, making for the north-west, so as to avoid the Syrtes.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 27:17

Verse 17. Undergirding the ship] This method has been used even in modern times. It is called frapping the ship. A stout cable is slipped under the vessel at the prow, which they can conduct to any part of the ship's keel; and then fasten the two ends on the deck, to keep the planks from starting: as many rounds as they please may be thus taken about the vessel. An instance of this kind is mentioned in Lord Anson's Voyage round the World. Speaking of a Spanish man-of-war in a storm: "They were obliged to throw overboard all their upper-deck guns, and take six turns of the cable round the ship, to prevent her opening." P. 24, 4to. edit. The same was done by a British line-of-battle ship in 1763, on her passage from India to the Cape of Good Hope. The quicksands] Ειςτηνσυρτιν, Into the syrt. There were two famous syrts, or quicksands, on the African coast; one called the syrtis major, lying near the coast of Cyrene; and the other, the syrtis minor, not far from Tripoli. Both these, like our Goodwin Sands, were proverbial for their multitude of ship-wrecks. From the direction in which this vessel was driven, it is not at all likely that they were in danger of drifting on any of these syrts, as the vessel does not appear to have been driven near the African coast through the whole of her voyage. And as to what is said, Acts 27:27, of their being driven up and down in Adria, διαφερομενωνεντῳΑδριᾳ, it must mean their being tossed about near to Sicily, the sea of which is called Adria, according to the old Scholiast upon Dionysius's Periegesis, ver. 85: τοΣικελικοντουτοτοπελαγοςΑδριανκαλουσι· they call this Sicilian sea, Adria. We are therefore to consider that the apprehension, expressed in Acts 27:17, is to be taken generally: they were afraid of falling into some shoals, not knowing in what part of the sea they then were; for they had seen neither sun nor stars for many days; and they had no compass, and consequently could not tell in what direction they were now driving. It is wrong therefore to mark the course of this voyage, as if the vessel had been driven across the whole of the Mediterranean, down to the African coast, and near to the syrts, or shoal banks; to which there is scarcely any reason to believe she had once approximated during the whole of this dangerous voyage. Strake sail] Χαλασαντεςτοσκευος. What this means is difficult to say. As to striking or slackening sail, that is entirely out of the question, in such circumstances as they were; when it is evident they could carry no sail at all, and must have gone under bare poles. Some think that lowering the yards, and taking down the top-mast, is what is intended; but in such a perilous situation this would have been of little service.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 27:17

17. which when they had taken up] [R. V. “and when they had hoisted it up”]. The sense of the verb is thus fully brought out, as it indicates the labour which the work required.helps] These were strong cables, which were drawn several times round the hulls of vessels, to help in keeping the timbers from parting. The technical term for the operation is “to frap” a vessel, and it is only in modern times that the process has been abandoned.should fall into the quicksands] [R. V. “lest they should be cast upon the Syrtis”]. The Syrtis Major and Syrtis Minor are two quicksands on the north coast of Africa, of which the Syrtis Major lies most to the east, between Tripoli and Barca, and was the shoal on to which the sailors at this time were afraid of being driven.strake sail] [R. V. “lowered the gear”] The noun is a very general one, signifying “tackling” or “implements” of any kind. What was done was to lower everything from aloft that could be dispensed with. They could not have struck sail, because to do so would be to give up all the chance which remained of using the wind to avoid the Syrtis, which was what they desired to do.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 27:17

Which when they had taken up - When they had raised up the boat into the ship, so as to secure it. They used helps - They used ropes, cables, stays, or chains, for the purpose of securing the ship.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 27:17

17. Helps—Props placed under loosened timbers to prevent their falling. Or, more properly, the helps may refer to the materials used for undergirding, as follows.

Sermons on Acts 27:17

SermonDescription
Erlo Stegen An Anchor - Firm and Secure by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to and obeying God's instructions. He uses the story of Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27 as an example. The ship face
Walter Beuttler Knowing God's Ways - Part 5 by Walter Beuttler In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God even in times of darkness. He references Psalm 139:12, which states that darkness is not hidden from God. T

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