Acts 27:10

And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

And said {G3004} unto them {G846}, Sirs {G435}, I perceive {G2334} that {G3754} this voyage {G4144} will be {G3195}{G1510} with {G3326} hurt {G5196} and {G2532} much {G4183} damage {G2209}, not {G3756} only {G3440} of the lading {G5414} and {G2532} ship {G4143}, but {G235} also {G2532} of our {G2257} lives {G5590}.

“Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be a catastrophe, not only with huge losses to the cargo and the ship but with loss of our lives as well.”

“Men, I can see that our voyage will be filled with disaster and great loss, not only to ship and cargo, but to our own lives as well.”

and said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the lading and the ship, but also of our lives.

Context of Acts 27:10

The Apostle Paul, a prisoner on his way to Rome to appeal to Caesar, was aboard a ship attempting to navigate the dangerous Mediterranean Sea late in the sailing season. This period, typically from mid-September to mid-November, was known for treacherous storms and difficult conditions, making sea travel extremely risky. In Acts 27:9, Luke notes that "sailing was now dangerous." Against the advice of the centurion Julius and the shipmaster, who were more concerned with finding a convenient winter harbor, Paul, having spiritual insight, issued a solemn warning about the impending perils. Acts 27:10 records this direct and stark prophecy, revealing Paul's deep concern for everyone on board.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Foresight and Warning: Paul's statement is not merely a human guess but a prophetic warning, likely inspired by God. His "perception" (Greek: theōrō), while meaning "to see or observe," carries a deeper sense here of spiritual discernment or insight into future events. This highlights God's ability to reveal dangers and guide His servants.
  • The Cost of Disregarding Counsel: The verse immediately precedes the decision to ignore Paul's warning. It underscores the theme that neglecting wise and divinely-given counsel can lead to severe consequences, including significant financial loss and potential loss of life. Later, Paul reminds them, "Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me..."
  • Imminent Peril and Preservation: Paul clearly foresees "hurt and much damage" to the cargo ("lading") and the vessel ("ship"), and most gravely, to "our lives." While the ship and cargo were indeed lost in the subsequent shipwreck, God miraculously preserved every life, fulfilling another aspect of Paul's divine assurance (Acts 27:44). This demonstrates God's power to deliver even when human wisdom fails.
  • Paul's Steadfast Character: Even as a prisoner, Paul acts with compassion and authority, offering counsel that ultimately proved true. His focus is on the well-being of others, demonstrating his unwavering faith and concern.

Linguistic Insights

The term "hurt" in the KJV translation of Acts 27:10 comes from the Greek word hybris. While often translated as "insolence" or "outrage" in other contexts (referring to arrogant behavior or contempt), here it refers specifically to violent damage, injury, or loss, particularly in a physical or material sense. Coupled with "damage" (Greek: zēmia, meaning "loss" or "detriment," often financial), Paul's warning emphasizes the severe and destructive nature of the coming storm for both property and lives.

Practical Application

Acts 27:10 serves as a timeless reminder about the importance of listening to wise counsel, especially when it comes from those who demonstrate spiritual discernment or have a track record of godly wisdom. It challenges us to consider whether we prioritize material possessions or convenience over safety and divine guidance. In our own lives, we may face situations where pursuing a course of action seems expedient, but a "still small voice" or the advice of a trusted spiritual mentor warns of potential harm. This verse encourages us to heed such warnings, trusting that God's insights, often conveyed through His servants, are for our ultimate good and preservation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Amos 3:7

    Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

  • Acts 27:20

    And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on [us], all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

  • Acts 27:26

    Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

  • Acts 27:41

    And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

  • Acts 27:44

    And the rest, some on boards, and some on [broken pieces] of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

  • Daniel 2:30

    But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for [any] wisdom that I have more than any living, but for [their] sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

  • Psalms 25:14

    The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

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