Acts 27:42

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Acts 27:42 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom.

King James Version KJV

And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

American Standard Version ASV

And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the armed men were for putting the prisoners to death, so that no one would get away by swimming.

Free Bible Version FBV

The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim away and escape.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the souldiers counsell was to kill the prisoners, least any of them, when he had swomme out, should flee away.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the soldiers' counsel was that they should kill the prisoners, lest any one having swam out should escape,

World English Bible WEB

The soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim out and escape.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the soldiers’ counsel was, that they should kill the prisoners, lest any of them, swimming out, should escape.

Translation for Translators T4T

The soldiers said to one another, “Let’s kill all the prisoners on the ship, so that they will not be able to swim away and escape.” They planned to do that because they were sure that officials would order them to be executed if they let the prisoners escape.

Plain English Version PEV

The soldiers said to their boss, “Let’s kill all the prisoners so they can’t swim to the beach and run away.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 27:42

BAB

Word Study

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Acts 27:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK των δε στρατιωτων βουλη εγενετο ινα τους δεσμωτας αποκτεινωσιν μη τις εκκολυμβησας διαφυγη

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

δε de G1161 then Conj

στρατιωτων stratiōtēs G4757 soldier Noun-GPM

βουλη boulē G1012 plan Noun-NSF

εγενετο ginomai G1096 to be Verb-2ADI-3S

ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj

τους ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APM

δεσμωτας desmōtēs G1202 prisoner Noun-APM

αποκτεινωσιν apokteinō G615 to kill Verb-AAS-3P

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

τις tis G5100 one Indef-NSM

εκκολυμβησας ekkolumbaō G1579 to swim out Verb-AAP-NSM

διαφυγη diapheugō G1309 to escape Verb-2AAS-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 27:42

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

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.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

στρατιωτων stratiōtēs G4757 "soldier" Noun-GPM

This word means a common soldier or warrior, like the soldiers in Matthew 8:9 and Mark 15:16. It can also refer to a spiritual warrior, as in 2 Timothy 2:3, where Paul talks about being a soldier of Jesus Christ. It's about being a fighter for a cause.

Definition: στρατιώτης, -ου, ὁ [in LXX; 2Ki.23:8 B1, 2Ma.5:12 2Mac 14:39, III Mac 3:12; 3Ma.3:4 Mac3 * ;] a soldier: Mat.8:9, Mrk.15:16, Jhn.19:2, Act.10:7, al.; metaphorically, σ. Χριστοῦ Ἰησ., 2Ti.2:3.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: soldier See also: 2 Timothy 2:3; Acts 28:16; Matthew 28:12.

βουλη boulē G1012 "plan" Noun-NSF

A plan or purpose, like the counsel of God in Luke 7:30 and Acts 2:23. It refers to a deliberate intention or advice, as seen in Acts 4:28 and 5:38. This word is used to describe God's will.

Definition: βουλή, -ῆς, ἡ (βούλομαι), [in LXX frequently for עֵצָה ;] counsel, purpose (in cl., esp. of the gods): Luk.23:51, Act.4:28 5:38 19:1 27:12, 42; pl., 1Co.4:5; of the Divine purpose, Heb.6:17; τ. βουλὴν τ. θελήματος αὐτοῦ, Eph.1:11; β. τ. Θεοῦ, Luk.7:30, Act.2:23 13:36 20:27.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: + advise, counsel, will See also: 1 Corinthians 4:5; Acts 27:12; Hebrews 6:17.

εγενετο ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-2ADI-3S

A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.

Definition: γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] __1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. __2. Of events, to come to pass, take place, happen: Mat.5:18, Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:20 2:15, Act.4:21, 2Ti.2:18, al.; μὴ γένοιτο [LXX for חָלִילָה, Jhn.22:29, al.], far be it, God forbid: Rom.3:4 (ICC, in l.), 1Co.6:15 and frequently in Pl.; καὶ ἐγένετο, ἐγένετο δέ ([in LXX for וַיְהִי ;] see Burton, 142 f.; M, Pr., 16f.; Dalman, Words, 32 f.; Robertson, Gr., 1042 f.), with indic, Mat.7:28, Luk.1:8, al.; before καί and indic., Luk.8:1, Act.5:7, al.; with accusative and inf., Mrk.2:23, Luk.3:21, al.; ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο, before τοῦ with inf., Act.10:25; with dative of person(s), to befall one: with inf., Act.20:16; with accusative and inf., Act.22:6; with adv., εὖ, Eph.6:3; τ́ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ (Field, Notes, 115), Act.7:40 (LXX); before εἰς, Act.28:6. __3. to be made, done, performed, observed, enacted, ordained, etc.: Mat.6:10 19:8, Mrk.2:27 11:23, Act.19:26, al.; before διά with genitive, Mrk.6:2, Act.2:43; ὑπό, Luk.13:17; ἐκ, Luk.4:23; ἐν, 1Co.9:15; ἀπογραφή, Luk.2:2; ἀνάκρισις Act.25:26; ἄφεσις, Heb.9:22; ὁ νόμος, Gal.3:17; τὸ πάσχα, Mat.26:2. __4. to become, be made, come to be: with pred., Mat.4:3, Luk.4:3, Jhn.2:9, 1Co.13:11, al.; before ὡς, ὡσεί, Mat.10:25, Mrk.9:26; εἰς (M, Pr., 71f.), Mrk.12:1o, al.; with genitive Rev.11:15; id., of age, Luk.2:42; with dative, γ. ἀνδρί ([LXX for הָיָה לְאִישׁ, Rut.1:12, al. ;] see Field, Notes, 156), Rom.7:3, 4; before ἐν, Act.22:17, Rev.1:10, al.; ἐπάνω, Luk.19:19; μετά, with genitive, Mrk.16:[10], Act.9:19; before εἰς, ἐπί (Field, Notes, 135), κατά (ib., 62), with accusative of place, Act.20:16 21:35 27:7, al.; before ἐκ, Mrk.9:7, Luk.3:22, 2Th.2:7, al. Aoristic pf. γέγονα (M, Pr., 52, 145f.; Field, Notes, 1f.), Mat.25:6, Luk.10:36, al. Aor. ἐγενήθη (for ἐγένετο, M, Pr., 139f.; Mayser, 379), Mat.11:23, al. (Cf. απο-, δια-, επι-, παρα-, συμ-, παρα-, προ-.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 637 NT verses. KJV: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Acts 5:5; 1 Peter 1:15.

ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj

This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.

Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.

τους ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APM

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'.

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.

δεσμωτας desmōtēs G1202 "prisoner" Noun-APM

A prisoner is someone who is being held in a prison or jail, like Paul in Acts 27:1. The Bible uses this word to describe a captive or someone who is being held against their will. It is someone who has lost their freedom.

Definition: δεσμώτης, -ου, ὁ [in LXX for אסר, מַסְגֵּר ;] a prisoner: Act.27:1, 42.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: prisoner See also: Acts 27:1; Acts 27:42.

αποκτεινωσιν apokteinō G615 "to kill" Verb-AAS-3P

To kill means to destroy or take someone's life, like in Matthew 14:5 where Herod had John the Baptist killed. It can also be used figuratively to describe spiritual destruction.

Definition: ἀπο-κτείνω (also in late forms -κτέννω, Mat.10:28, a1., LTTr., -κτεννύω, Mrk.12:5, WH), [in LXX for הָרַג, מוּת ;] to kill: Mat.14:5, al.; before instr. ἐν (which see), Eph.2:16, Rev.2:23, al. Metaphorical: Rom.7:11; τ. ἔχθραν, Eph.2:16; τὸ γράμμα ἀποκτείνει 2Co.3:6 (on the perfective force of this verb, see M, Pr., 114) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 72 NT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, slay See also: 1 Thessalonians 2:15; Mark 6:19; Revelation 2:13.

μη mē 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.

τις tis G5100 "one" Indef-NSM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing in a general sense, as seen in Luke 9:49 and John 11:1. It can mean someone, anyone, or anything. This term is often used to describe an unspecified individual or object.

Definition: τις, neut., τι, genitive, τινός, enclitic indefinite pron., related to interrog. τίς as πού, πως, ποτέ to ποῦ, πῶς, πότε. __I. As subst., __1. one, a certain one: Luk.9:49, Jhn.11:1, Act.5:25, al.; pl., τίνες, certain, some: Luk.13:1, Act.15:1, Rom.3:8, al. __2. someone, anyone, something, anything: Mat.12:29, Mrk.9:30, Luk.8:46, Jhn.2:25, Act.17:25, Rom.5:7, al.; = indef., one (French on), Mrk.8:4, Jhn.2:25, Rom.8:24, al.; pl., τινες, some, Mrk.14:4, al. __II. II. As adj., __1. a certain: Mat.18:12, Luk.1:5 8:27, Act.3:2, al.; with proper names, Mrk.15:21, Luk.23:26, al.; with genitive partit., Luk.7:19, al. __2. some: Mrk.16:[8], Jhn.5:14, Act.17:21 24:24, Heb.11:40, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 490 NT verses. KJV: a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 12:17; 1 Peter 2:19.

εκκολυμβησας ekkolumbaō G1579 "to swim out" Verb-AAP-NSM

To swim out means to escape or get out of a difficult situation by swimming, as seen in the literal sense of escaping a body of water. This phrase is not commonly used in biblical texts.

Definition: to swim out of , with genitive, (Euripides) (ML)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: swim out See also: Acts 27:42.

διαφυγη diapheugō G1309 "to escape" Verb-2AAS-3S

To escape or flee through something, like the disciples trying to escape the shipwreck in Acts 27:42. It means to get away safely. This word is used to describe a narrow escape.

Definition: δια-φεύγω [in LXX: Jos.8:22 (פָּלִיט), Jos.10:28 (שָׂרִיד), etc. ;] to flee through, escape: Act.27:42.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: escape See also: Acts 27:42.

Study Notes — Acts 27:42

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 27:42 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 27:42
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 27:42
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 27:42
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 27:42
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 27:42
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 27:42
Cambridge Bible on Acts 27:42
Barnes' Notes on Acts 27:42
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 27:42
Sermons on Acts 27:42

Context — The Shipwreck

40Cutting away the anchors, they left them in the sea as they loosened the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41But the ship 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.

42The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom.

43But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44The rest were to follow on planks and various parts of the ship. In this way everyone was brought safely to land.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Mark 15:15–20	And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called the whole company together. They dressed Him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and set it on His head. And they began to salute Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” They kept striking His head with a staff and spitting on Him. And they knelt down and bowed before Him. After they had mocked Him, they removed the purple robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him.
2	Ecclesiastes 9:3	This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead.
3	Psalms 74:20	Consider Your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.
4	Proverbs 12:10	A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.
5	Luke 23:40–41	But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
6	Acts 12:19	After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there.

Acts 27:42 Summary

In Acts 27:42, the soldiers on the ship wanted to kill the prisoners because they were afraid they would escape. This shows how desperate and scared the soldiers were, and it highlights the challenges and dangers that Paul and his companions faced on their journey. However, as seen in Acts 27:43-44, God was still in control and had a plan to save them, just like He does for us today (Psalm 121:7-8, Romans 8:28). We can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when things seem uncertain or difficult, and we can have confidence that He will see us through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the soldiers want to kill the prisoners in Acts 27:42?

The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners because they feared the prisoners would escape by swimming to freedom, as noted in Acts 27:42, highlighting the desperation and chaos of the situation, similar to the panic and fear seen in other biblical accounts, such as Exodus 14:13-14.

What motivated the soldiers to take such drastic action?

The soldiers were motivated by a desire to maintain control and order, as well as to prevent the prisoners from escaping, which is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in Jeremiah 52:11, where the king of Babylon was concerned about the escape of his prisoners.

Is this verse suggesting that the soldiers were inherently evil?

While the actions of the soldiers in Acts 27:42 seem harsh, the Bible does not necessarily portray them as inherently evil, but rather as individuals acting out of fear and a desire to maintain control, much like the guards in Acts 16:27, who were also driven by a sense of responsibility and duty.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Acts 27?

Acts 27:42 fits into the larger narrative of the chapter, which describes the challenges and dangers faced by Paul and his companions on their journey to Rome, as seen in Acts 27:1-44, and highlights the role of God's providence and protection in their lives, as noted in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 121:7-8.

Reflection Questions

What are some situations in my life where I have felt like I was in a desperate or chaotic situation, and how did I respond?
How can I apply the principle of trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Acts 27:42, to my own life and circumstances?
What are some ways that I can demonstrate compassion and empathy towards others, as the centurion did in Acts 27:43, and how can I show kindness to those around me?
In what ways can I trust in God's plan and purpose for my life, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 27:42

And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners,.... Paul, and the rest: this they had not only an inclination to, but they declared it, and gave it as their opinion, and what they thought

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 27:42

And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 27:42

This speaks their great ingratitude, that they would take away Paul’ s life, who had preserved theirs. But Christ’ s apostles and ministers must not look for their reward in this life; though men cannot, or do not, recompense them, they shall be recompensed at the resurrection of the just, .

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 27:42

42 And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. Ver. 42. To kill the prisoners] An ill requital of Paul’ s kindness. But soldiers make but a sport of killing men. "Let the young men arise and play before us," said Abner.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 27:42

(42) And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners.—The vigour of Roman law, which inflicted capital punishment on those who were in charge of prisoners and suffered them to escape (see Notes on Acts 12:19; Acts 16:27), must be remembered, as explaining the apparently wanton cruelty of the proposal. In putting the prisoners to death the soldiers saw the only chance of escaping death themselves.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 27:42

Verse 42. The soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners] What blood-thirsty, cowardly villains must these have been! Though, through the providence of God, those poor men had escaped a watery grave, and had borne all the anxiety and distresses of this disastrous voyage, as well as the others, now that there is a likelihood of all getting safe to land that could swim, lest these should swim to shore, and so escape, those men, whose trade was in human blood, desired to have them massacred! We have not many traits in the histories of the most barbarous nations that can be a proper counterpart to this quintessence of humano-diabolic cruelty.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 27:42

42. to kill the prisoners] This was the advice of the soldiers because, by the Roman law, they were answerable with their own lives for the prisoners placed under their charge.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 27:42

And the soldiers’ counsel ... - Why they gave this advice is not known.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 27:42

42. Soldiers’ counsel—As each man must now save himself, the soldiers found it necessary each to separate himself from his prisoner. Yet if one escaped, his keeper was answerable with his life.

Sermons on Acts 27:42

	Sermon	Description
	The Violence Revolution by Winkie Pratney	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to stories that are repeated four times in the Bible. He shares a personal anecdote about his mother repea
	Gethsemane by Anton Bosch	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the intense suffering and temptation that Jesus faced during his crucifixion. The preacher acknowledges that he himself gives in too quickl
	Opposing Views on the Death of Jesus by Art Katz	Art Katz addresses the contentious issue of Jewish culpability in the death of Jesus, referencing Leo M. Abrami's argument that the majority of Jews lived outside Palestine and thu
	Jewish Commentary on the Issues Raised by the Passion Film by Art Katz	Art Katz addresses the controversial topic of Jewish culpability in the death of Jesus, emphasizing that many Jews lived outside of Palestine during that time and cannot be held re
	Death Comes to All by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the inevitability of death and the importance of wisdom in life. He emphasizes that no matter how well or evilly we live, death is a co
	The Heart Is Deceitful and Desperately Wicked by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches about the dangers of trusting in man and the deceitfulness of the human heart, emphasizing the need to trust in the Lord for true blessings and security. He
	The Care of the Soul Urged as the One Thing Needful. (Luke 10:42 by George Whitefield	George Whitefield preaches about the importance of the soul's care, emphasizing the need to prioritize spiritual matters over worldly concerns. He uses the story of Mary and Martha