Acts 27:43

Acts 27:43 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But 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.

King James Version KJV

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

American Standard Version ASV

But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stayed them from their purpose; and commanded that they who could swim should cast themselves overboard, and get first to the land;

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the captain, desiring to keep Paul safe, kept them from their purpose, and gave orders that those who had knowledge of swimming were to go off the ship and get first to land:

Free Bible Version FBV

But the centurion, because he wanted to save Paul's life, prevented them from doing this, and ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But the Centurion willing to saue Paul, stayed them from this counsell, and commanded that they that coulde swimme, shoulde cast them selues first into the sea, and goe out to land:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

but the centurion, wishing to save Paul, hindered them from the counsel, and did command those able to swim, having cast themselves out first — to get unto the land,

World English Bible WEB

But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first to go toward the land;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that they who could swim, should cast themselves first into the sea , and get to land:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, forbade it to be done; and he commanded that they who could swim, should cast themselves first into the sea, and save themselves, and get to land.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Julius, the army captain, wanted to save Paul, so he stopped the soldiers from doing what they planned to do. Instead, he commanded first that everyone who could swim should jump into the water and swim to land.

Plain English Version PEV

But their boss wanted to save Paul, so he said, “No.” Then he told everybody, “If you can swim, jump into the water now, and swim to the land. You mob go first.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 27:43

BAB

Word Study

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Acts 27:43 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ο δε εκατονταρχος βουλομενος διασωσαι τον παυλον εκωλυσεν αυτους του βουληματος εκελευσεν τε τους δυναμενους κολυμβαν απορριψαντας πρωτους επι την γην εξιεναι

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

εκατονταρχος hekatontarchos G1543 centurion Noun-NSM

βουλομενος boulomai G1014 to plan Verb-PNP-NSM

διασωσαι diasōzō G1295 to save Verb-AAN

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

παυλον Paulos G3972 Paul Noun-ASM

εκωλυσεν kōluō G2967 to prevent Verb-AAI-3S

αυτους autos G846 it/s/he Pron-APM

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSN

βουληματος boulēma G1013 plan Noun-GSN

εκελευσεν keleuō G2753 to order Verb-AAI-3S

τε te G5037 and/both Particle

τους ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APM

δυναμενους dunamai G1410 be able Verb-PNP-APM

κολυμβαν kolumbaō G2860 to swim Verb-PAN

απορριψαντας aporriptō G641 to throw off Verb-AAP-APM

πρωτους prōtos G4413 first Adj-APM-S

επι epi G1909 upon/to/against Prep

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

γην gē G1093 earth: soil Noun-ASF

εξιεναι exeimi G1826 to go out/away Verb-PAN

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 27:43

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

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.

εκατονταρχος hekatontarchos G1543 "centurion" Noun-NSM

A centurion was a Roman military officer in charge of 100 men, as seen in Matthew 8:5 and Luke 7:2. They played important roles in the New Testament, such as the centurion who helped Jesus in Matthew 8:13. Centurions were respected for their authority and leadership.

Definition: ἑκατοντάρχης (-άρχος, Mat.8:5, 8 27:54, Luk.7:2, Act.22:25 28:16; cf. M, Pr., 48); -ου (ἑκατόν, ἄρχω,), [in LXX for מֵאָה שַׂר ;] a centurion: Mat.8:13, Luk.7:6 23:47, Act.10:1, 22 21:32 22:26 23:17, 23 24:23 27:1, 6 27:11, 31 27:43 (cf. κεντυρίως).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: centurion See also: Acts 10:1; Acts 27:11; Matthew 27:54.

βουλομενος boulomai G1014 "to plan" Verb-PNP-NSM

To be willing or to desire something, as in Mark 15:15 and Acts 5:28. It implies a deliberate choice or intention, like being minded to do something. This word is used in 2 Corinthians 1:15 and 1 Timothy 6:9.

Definition: βούλομαι, [in LXX for חפץ, אבה, יעץ, etc. ;] to will, wish, desire, purpose, be minded, implying more strongly than θέλω (which see), the deliberate exercise of volition (see Hort on Jas.1:18): with inf. (M, Pr., 205; Bl., §69, 4), Mrk.15:15, Act.5:28, 33 12:4 15:37 17:20 18:15, 27 19:30 22:30 23:28 27:43 28:18, 2Co.1:15, 1Ti.6:9, Heb.6:17, II Jhn.12, 3Jo.10, Ju 5; with accusative, 2Co.1:17; with accusative and inf., Php.1:12, 1Ti.2:8 5:14, Tit.3:8, 2Pe.3:9; of the will making choice between alternatives, Mat.1:19 11:27, Luk.10:22, Act.25:20, 1Co.12:11, Jas.3:4 4:4; εἰ βούλει (cl., a courteous phrase = θέλεις, colloq.; Bl., §21, 8; LS, see word), Luk.22:42; with subjc., adding force to a question of deliberation (Bl., §64, 6), Jhn.18:39; βουληθείς, of set purpose (see Hort, in l.), Jas.1:18; impf., ἐβουλόμην (= cl. βουλοίμην ἄν; Bl., §63, 5; Lft., Phm. 13), Act.25:22, Phm 13 (see also Cremer, 143).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 34 NT verses. KJV: be disposed, minded, intend, list, (be, of own) will (-ing) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:11; Acts 25:22; Hebrews 6:17.

διασωσαι diasōzō G1295 "to save" Verb-AAN

This word means to save or rescue someone, like when Jesus healed the sick in Matthew 14:36. It can also mean to bring someone safely through a danger, like when Paul was rescued from the sea in Acts 27:43.

Definition: δια-σώζω [in LXX for מָלַט, יָשַׁע, etc. ;] to bring safely through a danger: Luk.7:3, Act.27:43; before πρός, Act.23:24. Pass., to come safe through: Act.28:1; ἐπὶ τ. γῆν, Act.27:44; ἐκ τ. θαλάσσης, Act.28:4; δι᾽ ὕδατος, 1Pe.3:20; of sickness, to recover: Mat.14:36.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: bring safe, escape (safe), heal, make perfectly whole, save See also: 1 Peter 3:20; Acts 28:1; Matthew 14:36.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

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.

παυλον Paulos G3972 "Paul" Noun-ASM

Paul, originally named Saul, was a Roman apostle who wrote many letters in the New Testament, including Romans and 1 Corinthians. He is a key figure in the early Christian church.

Definition: Παῦλος, -ου, ὁ (Lat. Paulus), __1. Sergius Paulus: Act.13:7. __2. the Apostle Paul (cf. Σαῦλος): Act.13:9, and frequently throughout Ac., Rom.1:1, 1Co.1:1, al., 2Pe.3:15. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 159 NT verses. KJV: Paul, Paulus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 20:37; Romans 1:1.

εκωλυσεν kōluō G2967 "to prevent" Verb-AAI-3S

To prevent or stop something from happening, often used to describe hindering or forbidding someone. In the Bible, it appears in Matthew 19:14 and Acts 8:36. It means to restrain or withhold something.

Definition: κωλύω (κόλος), [in LXX for כָּלָא, מָנַע, etc. ;] to hinder, restrain, forbid, withhold: with accusative and inf., Mat.19:14, Luk.23:2, Act.8:36 16:6 24:23, 1Th.2:16, Heb.7:23; inf. om., Mrk.9:38-39 10:14, Luk.9:49-50 11:52 18:16, Act.11:17, Rom.1:13, 3Jn.10; accusative om., 1Ti.4:3; with accusative of person(s) and genitive of thing(s), Act.27:43; with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.14:39, 2Pe.2:16; id. before τοῦ μή, Act.10:47; id. before ἀπό (like Heb. מִן כָּלָא, Gen.23:6, al.), Luk.6:29 (cf. δια-κωλύω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: forbid, hinder, keep from, let, not suffer, withstand See also: 1 Corinthians 14:39; Hebrews 7:23; Romans 1:13.

αυτους autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-APM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSN

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.

βουληματος boulēma G1013 "plan" Noun-GSN

A resolve or decision, as in Acts 27:43 and Romans 9:19. It involves a firm intention or purpose, like a commitment to follow God's will. This word is similar to 'thelema' but distinct in meaning.

Definition: βούλημα, -τος, τό (βούλομαι), [in LXX: Pro.9:10 (דַּעַת), 2Ma.15:5, 4Ma.8:18 * ;] purpose, will: Act.27:43, Rom.9:19, 1Pe.4:3.† SYN.: θέλημα. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: purpose, will See also: Acts 27:43; Romans 9:19.

εκελευσεν keleuō G2753 "to order" Verb-AAI-3S

To order means to give a command or instruction, like when Jesus told his disciples to do something in Matthew 14:19.

Definition: κελεύω [in LXX: I Est.9:53, Tob.8:18, al., and frequently in 1-4Mac ;] to urge on, bid by word of mouth, order, command (mostly of one in authority): with accusative and inf. aor., Mat.14:19, 28 18:25 27:64, Luk.18:40, Act.4:15 5:34 8:38 22:30 23:10 25:6, 17; with ellipse of accusative, Mat.8:18 14:9 27:58, Act.12:19 21:33; with accusative and inf. Pres., Act.21:34 22:24 23:3, 35 25:21 27:43; with ellipse of accusative, Act.16:22; ptcp. aor., Act.25:23.† SYN.: see: ἐντέλλω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 26 NT verses. KJV: bid, (at, give) command(-ment) See also: Acts 4:15; Acts 25:17; Matthew 27:64.

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.

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.

δυναμενους dunamai G1410 "be able" Verb-PNP-APM

To be able or have power, as in Matthew 6:24 and Mark 2:7, meaning to have the capability or strength to do something.

Definition: δύναμαι, depon., [in LXX chiefly for יָכֹל ;] to be able, have power, whether by personal ability, permission, or opportunity: with inf. (M, Pr., 205; WM, §44, 3) pres., Mat.6:24, Mrk.2:7, Jhn.3:2, 1Co.10:21, al.; with inf. aor., Mat.3:9, Mrk.1:45, Jhn.3:3, 4 Rom.8:39, al.; with accusative, to be able to do something: Mrk.9:22, Luk.12:26; 2Co.13:8; absol., to be able, capable, powerful: 1Co.3:2 10:13. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 199 NT verses. KJV: be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power See also: 1 Corinthians 2:14; John 15:4; Hebrews 2:18.

κολυμβαν kolumbaō G2860 "to swim" Verb-PAN

To swim means to plunge into water, as in Acts 27:43 where people swam to shore. This verb emphasizes the action of diving into the water.

Definition: κολυμβάω, -ῶ [in AI.: Isa.25:11 * ;] to dive, plunge into the sea: Act.27:43 (cf. ἐκ-κολνμβάω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: swim See also: Acts 27:43.

απορριψαντας aporriptō G641 "to throw off" Verb-AAP-APM

This verb means to throw something or someone off or away, often with great force. In Acts 27:43, it describes people throwing themselves overboard to escape a shipwreck. The KJV translates it as cast.

Definition: ἀπο-ρίπτω (Rec. -ρρίπτω, c1.), [in LXX for שָׁלַךְ hi., etc. ;] to throw away, cast forth: reflexively, Act.27:43 (BV, cast themselves overboard; see MM, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: cast See also: Acts 27:43.

πρωτους prōtos G4413 "first" Adj-APM-S

The Greek word for first or foremost, used in Luke 14:18 and 1 Corinthians 14:30. It can refer to the first in a sequence, like the first day of the week, or the most important thing, like the first commandment.

Definition: B. Superl., πρῶτος, -η, -ον, [in LXX chiefly for רִאשׁוֹן, also for אֶחַד, etc. ;] first, __1. of Time or Place; __(a) absol., as subst., ὁ π.., Luk.14:18, Jhn.19:32, 1Co.14:30; ὁ π. καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, Rev.1:17 2:8 22:13; neut., τὸ π., opposite to τ. δεύτερον, Heb.10:9; τὰ π., opposite to τ. ἔσχατα, Mat.12:45, Luk.11:26, 2Pe.2:20; anarth., Mat.10:2; pl., Mat.19:30, Mrk.10:31, Luk.13:30; ἐν πρώτοις (EV, first of all), 1Co.15:3; __(b) as adj.: πρώτῃ; (sc. ἡμέρᾳ) σαββάτου, Mk 16:[9]; φυλακή, opposite to δευτέρα, Act.12:10; equiv. to adv. in English, Jhn.8:[7] 20:4, 8 Act.27:43, Rom.10:19, 1Ti.1:16, 1Jn.4:19; = πρότερος (see infr.; cf. M, Pr., 79; Bl, §11, 5; Thackeray, Gr., 183f.): with genitive, π. μου ἦν (my chief: Abbott, Jg., 509ff.; but cf. M, Pr., 245), Jhn.1:15, 30; with art., Mrk.14:12, Act.1:1, al.; before ὁ δεύτερος, etc., Mat.22:25, Mrk.12:20, al. __2. Of Rank or Dignity, chief, principal: Mat.20:27 22:38, Mrk.9:35, Eph.6:2, al.; with genitive, Mrk.12:28, 29 al.; πόλις (Field, Notes, 124), Act.16:12; with art., Luk.15:22 19:47, Act.13:50, al. __3. Neut., πρῶτον, as adv., first, at the first; __(a) of Time: Mat.8:21, Mrk.4:28, al.; τὸ π., Jhn.10:40, al.; __(b) of Order: Rom.3:2, 1Co.11:18, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 93 NT verses. KJV: before, beginning, best, chief(-est), first (of all), former See also: 1 Corinthians 14:30; Luke 15:22; Hebrews 8:7.

επι epi G1909 "upon/to/against" Prep

A preposition meaning upon, to, or against, often used to show location or direction, like in Matthew 6:10 where Jesus teaches us to pray for God's will to be done on earth. It can also indicate a sense of time or order.

Definition: ἐπί (before a smooth breathing ἐπ᾽, before a rough breathing ἐφ᾽), prep. with genitive, dative, accusative (accusative most frequently in NT), with primary sense of superposition, on, upon. __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, answering the question, where? __(a) of the place on which, on, upon: ἐπὶ (τ.) γῆς, Mat.6:10, 19, al.; τ. κεφαλῆς, 1Co.11:10; τ. νεφελῶν, Mat.24:3o, al.; like ἐν, in constr. praegn. after verbs of motion: βάλλειν, Mrk.4:26; σπείρειν, ib. 31; ἔρχεσθαι, Heb.6:7, al.; figuratively, ἐπ᾽ ἀληθείας (MM, see word ἀ.); of the subject of thought or speech, Gal.3:16; of power or authority, over, πάντων, Rom.9:5: τ. γάζης, Act.8:27; ἐξουσία, Rev.2:26 20:6; __(b) of vicinity, at, by: τ. θαλάσσης, Jhn.6:9; τ. ὁδοῦ, Mat.21:19; τοῦ βάτου, Mrk.12:26 (see Swete, in l.); with genitive of person(s), in the presence of, before, Mat.28:14, Act.23:30, 1Co.6:1, al. __2. Of time, __(a) with genitive of person(s), in the time of: ἐπὶ Ἐλισαίου, Luk.4:27; ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου, Act.11:28; ἐπὶ Ἀβιάθαρ ἀρχιερέως, when A. was high priest, Mrk.2:26; __(b) with genitive of thing(s), at, at the time of: Mat.1:11, Heb.1:2, 2Pe.3:3; ἐπὶ τ. προσευχῶν, Rom.1:10, Eph.1:16, 1Th.1:2, Phm 4. __II. C. dative, of place, answering the question, where? __(a) lit., on, upon: Mat.9:16, 14:8, al.; after verbs of motion (see supr., I, 1, (a)), Mat.9:16 Act.8:16; above, Luk.23:38; at, by, Mrk.13:29, Jhn.5:2, Act.5:9, al.; __(b) metaphorically, upon, on the ground of, Luk.4:4 (LXX); in the matter of, Mrk.6:52 (see Swete, in l.); upon, of, concerning, Act.5:35, 40; of the ground, reason or motive (Bl., §38, 2; 43, 3), Mat.18:3 19:9, Rom.12:12, al.; ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, for the reason that, because, Rom.5:12 2Co.5:4; after verbs of motion, over, Mat.18:13, Rom.16:19, al.; of a condition (cl.), Rom.8:20, 1Co.9:10; ἐπὶ δυσὶ μάρτυσιν (see Westc. on Heb.9:10), Heb.10:28; of purpose or aim, Eph.2:10, Php.4:10; of authority, over, Mat.24:47 Luk.12:44; of hostility, with dative of person(s) (cl.), against, Luk.12:52; in addition to (cl.), 2Co.7:13; of an adjunct, in, at, on, Php.1:3 2:17. __III. C. accusative, __1. of place of motion upon or over, answering the question, whither? __(a) lit., upon, over: Mat.14:28, 29, Luk.5:19, al. mult.; in NT also, answering the question, where? (as with genitive, dative), Mrk.4:38 11:2, Luk.2:25, Jhn.1:32; ἐπὶ τ. αὐτό, Act.1:15 2:1, al.; of motion to a vicinity, to, Mrk.16:2, Act.8:36, al.; __(b) metaphorically (in wh. "the accusative is more widely prevalent than it strictly should be," Bl., §43, 1); of blessings, evils, etc., coming upon one, with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:13 12:28, Act.2:17, Jhn.18:4, Eph.5:6, al.; of addition (dative in cl.), λύπη ἐπὶ λύπην, Php.2:27; ἐπικαλεῖν ὄνομα ἐπί (see: ἐπικαλέω), Act.15:17, Jas.2:7; καλεῖν ἐπί, to call after, Luk.1:59; of number or degree: ἐπὶ τρίς (cl. εἰς τ.), thrice, Act.10:16 11:10; ἐπὶ πλεῖον, the more, further, Act.4:17 2Ti.2:16 3:9 (see also infr., 2, (a)); ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (see infr., ib.), forasmuch as, Mat.25:40, 45, Rom.11:13; of power, authority, control, Luk.1:33, Act.7:10 Rom.5:14, Heb.3:6, al.; of the direction of thoughts and feelings, unto, towards, Luk.1:17 23:28, Act.9:35, 42, Rom.11:22, Gal.4:9, Eph.2:7, 1Ti.5:5, al.; of purpose, for, Mat.3:7, Luk.23:48; ἐφ᾽ ὅ πάρει (Rec. ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, Mat.26:50; of hostility, against, Mat.24:7, Mrk.3:24-26 10:11 13:8, Luk.9:5, Jhn.13:18, Act.7:54, 1Co.7:36, 2Co.1:23; Of reference, concerning, for (cl. usually dative), Mrk.9:12 15:24, Jhn.19:24, Rom.4:9. __2. Of time, __(a) during, for: Luk.4:25 (WH, txt., omits ἐπί), Act.13:31 16:18, Heb.11:30, al.; ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (χρόνον), as long as, for so long time as, Mrk.9:15 Rom.7:1, al. (for ἐφ᾽ ὅ in another sense, see supr., 1, (b)); ἐφ᾽ ἱκανόν (see: ἱ), Act.20:11; ἐπὶ πλεῖον (see supr., 1, (b)), yet longer, further, Act.20:9 24:4; __(b) on, about, towards (cl. εἰς): Luk.10:35 Act.3:1 4:5. __IV. In composition, ἐπί signifies: up, ἐπαίρω; upon, ἐπίγειος, ἐπιδημέω, ὠπικαθίζω; towards, επιβλέπω, ὠπεκτείνω; over (of superintendence), ἐπιστάτης; again, in addition, ἐπαιτέω; against, ἐπιορκέω, ἐπιβουλή. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 788 NT verses. KJV: about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 4:33; 1 Peter 1:13.

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'.

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.

γην gē G1093 "earth: soil" Noun-ASF

The Greek word for earth or ground, referring to soil, a region, or the entire globe, as seen in Luke 21:35 and Acts 1:8.

Definition: γῆ, γῆς, ἡ, [in LXX for אֲדָמָה ,אֶרֶץ, etc. ;] __1. the earth, world: Luk.21:35, Act.1:8, Heb.11:13, Rev.3:10, al.; opposite to οὐρανός, Mat.5:18 11:25, Mrk.13:27, al. __2. land; __(a) opposite to sea or water: Mrk.4:1, Luk.5:3, Jhn.6:21, al.; __(b) as subject to cultivation: Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:8, Luk.13:7, Heb.6:7, al.; __(with) the ground: Mat.10:29, Mrk.8:6, Luk.24:5, Jhn.8:6, al.; __(d) a region, country: Luk.4:25, Rom.9:28, Jas.5:17; γῆ Ἰσραήλ, Mat.2:20, 21; Χαλδαίων, Act.7:4; ἡ Ἰουδαία γῆ, Jhn.3:22; with genitive of person(s), Act.7:3. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 224 NT verses. KJV: country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world See also: 1 Corinthians 8:5; Mark 4:1; Hebrews 1:10.

εξιεναι exeimi G1826 "to go out/away" Verb-PAN

To go out or depart from a place, as seen in Acts 13:42 and 27:43, where people leave or escape to the shore.

Definition: ἔξ-ειμι (εἶμι), to go forth: Act.13:42 Act.17:15 Act.20:7; before ἐπί, with accusative, Act.27:43.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: depart, get (to land), go out See also: Acts 13:42; Acts 20:7; Acts 27:43.

Study Notes — Acts 27:43

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 27:43 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 27:43
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 27:43
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 27:43
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 27:43
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 27:43
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 27:43
Cambridge Bible on Acts 27:43
Barnes' Notes on Acts 27:43
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 27:43
Sermons on Acts 27:43

Context — The Shipwreck

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	Acts 27:3	The next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul with consideration, allowing him to visit his friends and receive their care.
2	Proverbs 16:7	When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
3	Acts 27:11	But contrary to Paul’s advice, the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship.
4	Acts 23:10	The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.
5	2 Corinthians 11:25	Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.
6	Acts 23:24	Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”
7	Acts 27:31	But Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved.”

Acts 27:43 Summary

In Acts 27:43, we see how the centurion spared Paul's life by commanding the swimmers to jump overboard and get to land first. This act of kindness and obedience to God's plan allowed Paul to continue his ministry, as we see in the rest of the book of Acts. This verse reminds us that God is always working, even in difficult circumstances (as seen in Romans 8:28), and that we can trust in His sovereignty and show compassion to those around us (as taught in Matthew 5:7). By trusting in God and showing mercy, we can be used by Him to bring hope and salvation to others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the centurion want to spare Paul's life in Acts 27:43?

The centurion wanted to spare Paul's life because he had come to respect Paul, and possibly because he saw the hand of God at work in Paul's life, as seen in the events of Acts 27:21-26 and Acts 23:11 where God had previously protected Paul.

What would have happened if the centurion had not intervened in Acts 27:43?

If the centurion had not intervened, the soldiers would have killed the prisoners, including Paul, to prevent them from swimming to freedom, as stated in Acts 27:42, and this would have thwarted God's plan to save Paul and use him for further ministry, as seen in Acts 23:11 and Romans 1:1.

How does Acts 27:43 relate to the overall story of Paul's journey?

Acts 27:43 is a pivotal moment in Paul's journey to Rome, as it shows how God protected Paul from harm and allowed him to continue his ministry, as seen in Acts 28:1-31 and Philippians 1:12-14.

What can we learn from the centurion's actions in Acts 27:43?

The centurion's actions demonstrate the importance of showing compassion and mercy, as taught in Matthew 5:7 and Luke 6:36, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

How has God protected you from harm in your life, and how can you trust in His sovereignty in difficult circumstances?
In what ways can you show compassion and mercy to those around you, as the centurion did in Acts 27:43?
How does the story of Paul's journey, including Acts 27:43, encourage you to trust in God's plan for your life?
What are some ways you can be a vessel for God's work, as the centurion was in Acts 27:43, and what are some obstacles that might prevent you from fulfilling this role?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 27:43

But the centurion, willing to save Paul,.... Not only because he was a Roman citizen, but because he perceived he was some extraordinary person; and chiefly because he was moved there unto by a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 27:43

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: But the centurion, willing

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 27:43

The centurion, willing to save Paul; because Paul was a Roman citizen, whose death he durst not be accessory unto. It may be also, that this centurion, (if there were no more), as the Samaritan that was cleansed, did this in thankfulness unto Paul. Should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land; that they might be helpful to others in getting on shore.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 27:43

43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: Ver. 43. Willing to save Paul] By whom he had been hitherto saved; and in whom he saw that goodness that could not but attract all hearts not congealed into steel and adamant. I read of a monster, who that night that his prince pardoned and released him, got out and slew him; this was Michael Balbus. (Zonaras in Annal.) Such another was bloody Bonner, active in bringing the Lord Cromwell (who had been his great patron) to an untimely death. In like sort dealt Bishop Watson by Mr Rough, and Bishop Bourn by Mr Bradford, who had saved their lives with the hazard of their own. William Parry was for burglary condemned to die, but saved by Queen Elizabeth’ s pardon; this ungrateful man afterwards sought to requite her, by vowing her death, A. D. 1584, and was therefore worthily executed as a traitor; and indeed hanging was too good for him. (Speed.) The senate of Basil first tortured, and then burnt to ashes, a villain called Paulus Sutor, that murdered an old man that had done him many fatherlike courtesies, A.D. 1565, as judging, that to render evil for evil is brutish, but to render evil for good is devilish. (Lonicer.) Lycurgus the Lacedaemonian lawgiver would make no law against such, quod prodigiosa res esset beneficium non rependere, because it could not be imagined that any would be so unworthy as not to recompense one kindness with another. If this centurion should have done otherwise than he did in saving Paul, by whose prayers and for whoso sake he and his company had escaped, no time would have worn out his utter disgrace and infamy.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 27:43

(43) But the centurion, willing to save Paul.—Better, wishing, as expressing a stronger desire than the sense of mere acquiescence which has come to be attached to “willing.” The Apostle had, we have seen, from the outset gained the respect of the centurion Julius (Acts 27:1). The courage and thoughtfulness of the night that had just passed was likely to have turned that respect into something like admiration. Commanded that they which could swim . . .—The order which was observed shows that the centurion kept his head clear, and had the power to enforce discipline. It was not the rush of a sauve qui peut. The swimmers were to plunge in first so as to get to the beach and be in readiness to help their comrades. St. Paul, who had thrice been shipwrecked, and had once passed a night and day in the open sea (2 Corinthians 11:25), was probably among the former group, and the order itself may well have been suggested by him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 27:43

Verse 43. Willing to save Paul, c.] Had one fallen, for the reasons those cruel and dastardly soldiers gave, so must all the rest. The centurion save that Paul vas not only an innocent, but an extraordinary and divine man and therefore, for his sake, he prevented the massacre; and, unloosing every man's bonds, he commanded those that could to swim ashore and escape. It is likely that all the soldiers escaped in this way, for it was one part of the Roman military discipline to teach the soldiers to swim.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 27:43

43. But the centurion, willing to save] The Gk. word indicates an active desire, and not a mere willingness. Read (with R. V.) “desiring to save.” The centurion could not fail to feel that it was to the Apostle that the safety of the whole party was due, and he could hardly help feeling admiration for the prisoner, after all he had seen of him. From the first (see Acts 27:3) he had been well disposed toward Paul, and the after events would not have lessened his regard. So to save him, he stops the design of his men, and saves the whole number of the prisoners.kept them] Better, “hindered them” or (with R. V.) “stayed them.” The verb is a forcible word, and shews that the centurion was in full command of his men, and had not in the confusion lost his thoughtfulness and presence of mind.they which could swim] This was the wisest course to adopt. Thus there would be a body ready on the shore to help those who only could float thither by the aid of something to which they were clinging. As St Paul had already been thrice shipwrecked and had been in the deep a night and a day (2 Corinthians 11:25) we may be sure that he was among those who were told off to swim ashore.should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land] [R. V. “should east themselves overboard and get first to the land”] What is represented in the A.V., by “into the sea” is merely the preposition compounded with the verb “to cast.” This the R. V. represents by “overboard,” and so brings the word “first” into its proper and emphatic position. The swimmers were to get into safety first of all, that then they might be in readiness to succour those who drifted to the land on the floating spars and planks.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 27:43

But the centurion, willing to save Paul - He had at first been disposed to treat Paul with kindness, Acts 27:3.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 27:43

43. Willing—Determining. To save Paul—It illustrates how unimpressible this company was, that of all the military none revolted from murdering their benefactor save Julius.

Sermons on Acts 27:43

	Sermon	Description
	The Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the ministry of refreshing others, highlighting the importance of believers having a ministry and being used by God to bring comfort and refreshment to those
	The Ministry of Refreshing by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the vital role of believers in the ministry of refreshing one another, as illustrated in Acts 27 and 2 Timothy. He highlights the example of Onesiphorus,
	Placing Your Enemies in the Hands of God by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word in order to receive His blessings. He tells a story using the imagery of different trees represent
	A Life of Peace by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing a life of peace in three key areas: peace with God inwardly, peace with all men, and peace in circumstances and relationships. It
	Studies in Isaiah - Part 6 by Harry Ironside	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a clear understanding of the outline of the Bible. He mentions that the book of Isaiah can be divided into three part
	Our Gracious God by Brain Brodersen by Brian Brodersen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the right concept of God for our spiritual well-being, highlighting God's desire to bless, keep, smile upon, be gracious, be attenti
	(Proverbs) ch.16:5 - 17:4 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a little bit of money gained honestly rather than accumulating great wealth through dishonest means. The fear of the