Acts 27:19

KJV

And the third [day] we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the third {G5154} day we cast out {G4496} with our own hands {G849} the tackling {G4631} of the ship {G4143}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the third day, they threw the ship’s sailing equipment overboard with their own hands.

Berean Standard Bible

On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands.

American Standard Version

and the third day they cast out with their own hands the tackling of the ship.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:19 vividly describes a pivotal and desperate moment during Paul's perilous voyage to Rome, as the ship's crew and passengers, including Paul, continued their arduous struggle against a ferocious storm. On the third day of the tempest, having already jettisoned the cargo, they resorted to the extreme measure of casting overboard the ship's essential "tackling" or equipment, underscoring the escalating severity of their predicament and their collective, manual efforts to lighten the vessel and avert imminent shipwreck.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the gripping narrative of [Acts chapter 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Perilous Sea Voyage"), which meticulously details Paul's journey as a prisoner being transported to Rome for trial. The preceding verses establish the escalating crisis: Paul's initial warning against continuing the voyage was disregarded ([Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Paul's Warning About the Voyage")), leading the ship to be caught in the violent tempest known as the [Euroclydon](/acts/27-14 "The Euroclydon Storm in Acts 27:14"). The day before, the crew had already begun to lighten the ship by throwing the cargo overboard ([Acts 27:18](/acts/27-18 "Casting Out the Freight in Acts 27:18")). Acts 27:19 marks the third consecutive day of the storm, signifying a worsening situation and the need for even more drastic measures, setting the stage for Paul's divine assurance later in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sea travel in the ancient Mediterranean was inherently dangerous, especially outside the calmer summer months. Roman ships, though sturdy, were vulnerable to sudden, violent storms like the Euroclydon (a "northeaster"). The practice of jettisoning cargo and equipment was a standard, albeit last-resort, procedure to save a ship from sinking in extreme weather. Ships were often laden with heavy cargo, and reducing weight was critical for buoyancy and stability. The presence of Roman soldiers and prisoners on board, as well as the ship's owner/captain, highlights the typical composition of such voyages. The phrase "with our own hands" emphasizes the manual, collective, and physically exhausting nature of these desperate actions, common in a time before advanced machinery.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 27:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the chapter and the broader book. It highlights the theme of **human desperation and resilience** in the face of overwhelming natural forces, as the crew and passengers exhaust all human means to survive. This verse also underscores the **progressive loss and deterioration** of their situation, moving from cargo to essential ship's tackling, which foreshadows the eventual loss of the ship itself, yet paradoxically sets the stage for God's miraculous preservation of all lives ([Acts 27:44](/acts/27-44 "Everyone Escapes Safely to Land")). Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty** at work even amidst human struggle, preparing the reader for Paul's prophetic intervention where God's ultimate control over the storm and the destiny of those on board is revealed ([Acts 27:22-25](/acts/27-22-25 "Paul's Prophecy of Deliverance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast out (Greek, _rhíptō'_):** This primary verb signifies "to fling (properly, with a quick toss, thus differing from βάλλω, which denotes a deliberate hurl; and from ἐκτείνω, which indicates an extended projection); by qualification, to deposit (as if a load); by extension, to disperse." The choice of _rhíptō_ here emphasizes the urgent, forceful, and perhaps even frantic nature of their action. It was not a careful unloading but a desperate flinging away, indicative of the extreme peril and the need for immediate, drastic weight reduction.
* **own hands (Greek, _autócheir'_):** Derived from _autós_ (self) and _cheír_ (hand), this compound word means "self-handed, i.e. doing personally." Its inclusion highlights the direct, manual, and laborious involvement of everyone on board, including the narrator (Luke) and likely Paul himself. It conveys a sense of shared hardship, collective effort, and the personal struggle for survival, emphasizing that no one was exempt from the arduous task.
* **tackling (Greek, _skeuḗ'_):** From _skeûos_ (vessel, implement), _skeuḗ_ refers to "furniture, i.e. spare tackle." In a maritime context, this would encompass the ship's rigging, spare sails, ropes, possibly masts, and other non-essential but valuable equipment or internal fittings that contributed to the ship's weight or could hinder its stability. Unlike the previous day's cargo, which was freight, the tackling represented the ship's own operational gear, signifying that they were now stripping the vessel of its very means of navigation and control, a truly desperate act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the third [day]":** This phrase establishes the duration and escalating intensity of the storm. The fact that it was the third day of continuous, violent weather underscores the crew's exhaustion, the ship's deteriorating condition, and the growing sense of hopelessness. It signifies a prolonged and unrelenting ordeal.
* **"we cast out":** The use of "we" indicates the participation of the narrator (Luke) and, by extension, Paul, in this desperate measure. It implies a collective, unified effort by everyone on board, highlighting the dire necessity that compelled all to contribute to the ship's survival.
* **"with our own hands":** This emphasizes the direct, physical, and strenuous labor involved. It was not a mechanical process but a manual, arduous task, underscoring the personal investment and exhaustion of those fighting for their lives against the raging elements.
* **"the tackling of the ship":** This specifies what was being jettisoned. Unlike the cargo (freight) thrown overboard the previous day, the "tackling" refers to the ship's vital equipment, such as spare sails, ropes, and perhaps even parts of the rigging or internal fittings. Discarding these items signifies a last-ditch effort, indicating that the ship was being stripped bare in a desperate attempt to reduce weight and prevent it from being swamped or capsizing.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Acts 27:19 employs several literary devices to convey the gravity of the situation. **Narrative Pacing** is evident as Luke meticulously details the escalating measures taken by the crew: first the cargo ([Acts 27:18](/acts/27-18 "Casting Out the Freight")), then the "tackling" on the third day, demonstrating a progressive shedding of assets that builds tension and illustrates the worsening conditions. This **Escalation** of actions emphasizes the growing desperation and the relentless nature of the storm. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in this human effort; despite all their strenuous and rational attempts to save the ship, it will ultimately be lost, yet their lives will be miraculously preserved through divine intervention. The act of casting out the tackling can also be seen as **Symbolism**, representing the shedding of human control and self-reliance in the face of overwhelming circumstances, paving the way for the necessity of divine intervention and Paul's faith-filled message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:19, though a description of human desperation, subtly points to profound theological truths. It illustrates the limits of human effort and ingenuity when confronted with forces beyond our control. Despite the crew's strenuous and rational attempts to save the ship, their actions highlight the ultimate need for divine intervention and sovereignty. This passage reminds us that while we are called to act responsibly and diligently in life's storms, our ultimate hope and salvation rest not in our own strength or resources, but in God's overarching plan and power. The shedding of valuable "tackling" can be seen as a metaphor for relinquishing control and trusting in a higher power when all human solutions are exhausted.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart"):"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
* [Psalm 107:23-30](/psalms/107-23-30 "God Calms the Storm"):"They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters... For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof... Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still."
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Counting All Things as Loss for Christ"):"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Acts 27:19 offers powerful lessons for contemporary life. In our own "storms"—whether they be financial crises, health challenges, relational breakdowns, or spiritual struggles—we often find ourselves in situations where our usual resources and strategies prove insufficient. Just as the crew had to jettison valuable equipment, we too may be called to "cast out" things we hold dear: perhaps certain expectations, comforts, perceived securities, or even habits and attitudes that hinder our navigation through the storm. This verse encourages us to actively engage with our difficulties, exercising diligence and using all available means, but also to recognize the limits of our control. It calls for a blend of human effort and profound trust in God's providence, reminding us that sometimes, letting go of what we can control is the very act that prepares us for God's miraculous intervention and preservation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "tackling" or non-essential things in my life might God be calling me to "cast out" in order to navigate current challenges or deepen my reliance on Him?**
* **How do I balance diligent human effort with complete trust in God's sovereignty when facing overwhelming circumstances?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate resilience and perseverance when a "storm" in my life seems to be worsening over time?**

### FAQ

**What exactly was the "tackling" that was cast out?**

Answer: The "tackling" (Greek: _skeuḗ_) refers to the ship's equipment, gear, or apparatus. In a maritime context, it would include non-essential but valuable items such as spare sails, ropes, rigging, and perhaps even internal fittings or furniture that contributed to the ship's weight or could impede its stability in the violent seas. Unlike the cargo (freight) thrown overboard the previous day, which was the ship's payload, the tackling was part of the ship's operational equipment, signifying a more desperate measure to lighten the vessel and prevent it from sinking. This act indicated that the crew was stripping the ship of its very means of control and navigation in a last-ditch effort for survival, as described in [Acts 27:19](/acts/27-19 "Acts 27:19 - Casting out the Tackling").

**Why did they throw out the tackling after the cargo?**

Answer: The sequence of jettisoning the cargo first ([Acts 27:18](/acts/27-18 "Acts 27:18 - Casting out the Freight")) and then the ship's "tackling" on the third day ([Acts 27:19](/acts/27-19 "Acts 27:19 - Casting out the Tackling")) indicates an escalating crisis. They started with the least essential items (the freight) to lighten the ship. When the storm persisted and the danger increased, they resorted to throwing out more vital, but still dispensable, parts of the ship's equipment. This progression highlights the growing desperation and the severity of the storm, as they were forced to take increasingly drastic measures to keep the ship afloat and prevent it from being overwhelmed by the tempest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:19, while a historical account of human struggle, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader biblical narrative. The desperate act of casting out the ship's "tackling" foreshadows the ultimate "shedding" required for true salvation and life found in Christ. Just as the ship had to be stripped bare to save its occupants, so too does humanity, in its own spiritual storms, find salvation not in its own efforts or "tackling" of self-righteousness, but in the complete surrender to Christ. Jesus, the Lord of creation, demonstrated His ultimate sovereignty over the fiercest storms, not by jettisoning equipment, but by His authoritative word, as seen when [He calmed the raging sea](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm"). Furthermore, Christ Himself "cast out" everything—His divine prerogatives, His very life—in His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). In Him, we find the true anchor and pilot for our souls, one who not only endures the storm with us but has conquered the very forces of chaos and death, ensuring our safe arrival in the harbor of eternal life, even when all human efforts fail.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 2:4

And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

Luke 9:24

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Luke 9:25

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

Jonah 1:5

Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that [were] in the ship into the sea, to lighten [it] of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

Mark 8:35

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

Mark 8:37

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?