Acts 27:31

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Sha’ul said to the officer and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain aboard the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.”

Berean Standard Bible:

But Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved.”

American Standard Version:

Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Paul^{G3972} said^{G2036} to the centurion^{G1543} and^{G2532} to the soldiers^{G4757}, Except^{G3362} these^{G3778} abide^{G3306} in^{G1722} the ship^{G4143}, ye^{G5210} cannot^{{G3756}{G1410}} be saved^{G4982}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Acts 27:31

Acts 27:31 is a verse set within the narrative of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner. The broader context is Paul's appeal to Caesar after being accused by Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. The voyage is fraught with hardship, and the ship encounters a violent storm, known as a Euroclydon, which drives the vessel off course and puts the lives of all aboard at risk.

In this particular verse, Paul speaks to the centurion in charge of his custody, Julius, and the soldiers under his command. The ship is in peril, and Paul advises that unless the crew remains aboard, they cannot be saved. This statement comes after Paul has assured those on board that an angel of God has promised his safety and the safety of all 276 people on the ship. Paul's counsel emphasizes themes of divine protection, the importance of collective action in the face of danger, and the idea that salvation is contingent upon following divine guidance.

Historically, this passage reflects the ancient maritime practice of abandoning ship in the face of severe weather, which often led to certain death. Paul's advice to stay with the vessel is counterintuitive but underscores his faith in God's providence and his role as a spiritual leader in a time of crisis. It also showcases the respect and authority Paul carries despite his status as a prisoner. This moment is a turning point in the narrative, as it leads to the eventual shipwreck on the island of Malta, where the promise of safety is ultimately fulfilled, demonstrating the theme of God's faithfulness to His people.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G3972
   There are 160 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Παῦλος
   Transliteration: Paûlos
   Pronunciation: pow'-los
   Description: of Latin origin; (little; but remotely from a derivative of παύω, meaning the same); Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle:--Paul, Paulus.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2036
   There are 901 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔπω
   Transliteration: épō
   Pronunciation: ep'-o
   Description: a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from ἐρέω, ῥέω, and φημί); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Compare λέγω.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1543
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἑκατοντάρχης
   Transliteration: hekatontárchēs
   Pronunciation: hek-at-on'-tar-khos
   Description: from ἑκατόν and ἄρχω; the captain of one hundred men:--centurion.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
5. Strong's Number: G4757
   There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: στρατιώτης
   Transliteration: stratiṓtēs
   Pronunciation: strat-ee-o'-tace
   Description: from a presumed derivative of the same as στρατιά; a camper-out, i.e. a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively):--soldier.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3362
   There are 59 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐὰν μή
   Transliteration: eàn mḗ
   Pronunciation: eh-an' may
   Description: i.e. ἐάν and μή; if not, i.e. unless:--X before, but, except, if, no, (if, + whosoever) not.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3778
   There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὗτος
   Transliteration: hoûtos
   Pronunciation: how'-tahee
   Description: from the article ὁ and αὐτός; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated):--he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.
   
8. Strong's Number: G3306
   There are 105 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μένω
   Transliteration: ménō
   Pronunciation: men'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):--abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own.
   
9. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
10. Strong's Number: G4143
    There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πλοῖον
    Transliteration: ploîon
    Pronunciation: ploy'-on
    Description: from πλέω; a sailer, i.e. vessel:--ship(-ing).
    
11. Strong's Number: G5210
    There are 228 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὑμεῖς
    Transliteration: hymeîs
    Pronunciation: hoo-mice'
    Description: irregular plural of σύ; you (as subjective of verb):--ye (yourselves), you.
    
12. Strong's Number: G3756
    There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: οὐ
    Transliteration: ou
    Pronunciation: ookh
    Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
    
13. Strong's Number: G1410
    There are 201 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δύναμαι
    Transliteration: dýnamai
    Pronunciation: doo'-nam-ahee
    Description: of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible:--be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.
    
14. Strong's Number: G4982
    There are 103 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σώζω
    Transliteration: sṓzō
    Pronunciation: sode'-zo
    Description: from a primary (contraction for obsolete , "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.