Acts 27:39

KJV

And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G3753} it was {G1096} day {G2250}, they knew {G1921} not {G3756} the land {G1093}: but {G1161} they discovered {G2657} a certain {G5100} creek {G2859} with {G2192} a shore {G123}, into {G1519} the which {G3739} they were minded {G1011}, if {G1487} it were possible {G1410}, to thrust in {G1856} the ship {G4143}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When day broke, they didn’t recognize the land; but they noticed a bay with a sand beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could.

Berean Standard Bible

When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they sighted a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could.

American Standard Version

And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they perceived a certain bay with a beach, and they took counsel whether they could drive the ship upon it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
After weeks of being relentlessly battered by a fierce storm, the dawn of the twenty-seventh day brought a glimmer of hope as the shipwrecked crew and passengers, including the Apostle Paul, sighted land. Although unfamiliar with the specific coastline, their desperation and keen observation led them to discern a promising inlet—a creek with a shore—into which they resolved, if at all possible, to steer and beach their severely damaged vessel, hoping to save the ship and all aboard.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 27 details Paul's arduous journey as a prisoner to Rome, a narrative rich with maritime peril and divine intervention. The preceding verses describe the ship's capture by a tempestuous northeasterly wind, Euroclydon, leading to fourteen days of drifting without sun or stars, during which all hope of survival was abandoned ([Acts 27:14-20](/acts/27-14-20 "Acts 27:14-20 - The Storm at Sea")). Paul, however, had received a divine assurance that though the ship would be lost, no lives would perish ([Acts 27:21-26](/acts/27-21-26 "Acts 27:21-26 - Paul's Prophecy of Deliverance")). The immediate context of verse 39 follows Paul's encouragement to the weary crew and passengers to eat, assuring them of God's faithfulness, and their subsequent jettisoning of the wheat cargo to lighten the ship, preparing for a potential grounding ([Acts 27:33-38](/acts/27-33-38 "Acts 27:33-38 - Paul Encourages and Eats")). Thus, the sighting of land at dawn in Acts 27:39 marks a pivotal moment, transitioning from utter despair and aimless drifting to a focused, albeit desperate, attempt at survival.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient seafaring in the Mediterranean was inherently dangerous, especially outside the calmer summer months. Ships were largely dependent on wind for propulsion and visual landmarks for navigation. A prolonged storm, like the one described, would render traditional navigation impossible, leading to complete disorientation. The "land" they "knew not" was likely the island of Malta, a crucial detail revealed later in the narrative ([Acts 28:1](/acts/28-1 "Acts 28:1 - Arrival at Malta")). The crew's actions—sounding depths, jettisoning cargo, and seeking a suitable place to beach the ship—were standard, albeit desperate, procedures for survival in a shipwreck scenario. Roman ships, often large grain carriers, were valuable assets, and every effort would be made to save the vessel and its contents, even if it meant running it aground in a controlled (or semi-controlled) manner to preserve the hull. The presence of soldiers and a centurion underscores the military transport aspect of this voyage, with the centurion's authority being paramount.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 27:39 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Providence Amidst Human Crisis**. Despite the crew's ignorance of their location and the overwhelming odds, God's unseen hand guides them precisely to a "creek with a shore," a specific, albeit unknown, landing spot. This underscores God's meticulous care for His servants and His sovereign control over even the forces of nature, fulfilling Paul's earlier prophecy that no lives would be lost ([Acts 27:24](/acts/27-24 "Acts 27:24 - Paul's Divine Assurance")). Secondly, the verse showcases **Human Resourcefulness and Determination**. Even after weeks of deprivation and despair, the sight of land ignites a renewed will to survive. The crew's immediate assessment and their plan to "thrust in the ship" demonstrate their professional skill and unwavering resolve in the face of extreme adversity. Lastly, it speaks to the theme of **Hope Emerging from Despair**. The long night of fear and uncertainty gives way to the dawn and the tangible possibility of safety, transforming their outlook and spurring them to action, reflecting the broader biblical truth that "weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning" ([Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping and Joy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew not (Greek, _epiginōskō'_):** From G1921, meaning "to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge." This is more than mere ignorance; it implies a failure to recognize familiar landmarks, indicating their complete disorientation and the severity of their drifting. They were in an unknown region, unable to identify any geographical features that would tell them where they were or how to navigate safely.
* **land (Greek, _gē'_):** From G1093, meaning "soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe." In this context, it refers to a specific region or country, emphasizing that they had reached a coastline, but one they could not identify as a known or safe harbor. This highlights their precarious situation, as unknown coastlines could hide reefs, rocks, or hostile inhabitants.
* **thrust in (Greek, _exōthéō'_):** From G1856, meaning "to expel; by implication, to propel." This word suggests a forceful, deliberate action. Their intention was not merely to drift ashore but to actively and powerfully propel the ship into the creek, likely to beach it in a controlled manner to prevent it from breaking up in deeper waters or being dashed against rocks. It conveys a desperate, yet calculated, maneuver to save the vessel and its occupants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when it was day":** This phrase marks the transition from the long, terrifying night of the storm, during which the crew had given up hope, to the breaking of dawn. The arrival of daylight is itself a symbol of renewed hope and clarity after prolonged darkness and uncertainty.
* **"they knew not the land":** Despite the light, their ordeal had left them so far off course that the coastline they saw was completely unfamiliar. This underscores their disorientation and the miraculous nature of their arrival at any land at all. Their lack of recognition also implies the danger of an unknown shore, which could conceal hidden perils.
* **"but they discovered a certain creek with a shore":** This is the pivotal moment of discovery. The adversative "but" highlights the contrast between their ignorance of the land and the providential finding of a specific, identifiable feature—a "creek" (a bay or inlet) with a "shore" (a beach suitable for landing). This suggests a divinely guided discovery, providing a specific, actionable solution to their desperate situation.
* **"into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship":** This clause reveals their immediate, collective intent and the cautious hope that accompanied it. "They were minded" indicates a deliberate decision or purpose. The phrase "if it were possible" acknowledges the immense challenge of maneuvering a large, damaged ship into a potentially narrow inlet and onto a shore without completely destroying it. "To thrust in the ship" signifies their desperate plan to forcefully beach the vessel, aiming to save it and ensure the safety of all on board.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** by setting the darkness and despair of the preceding night against the dawning light and the discovery of land, symbolizing a shift from hopelessness to potential salvation. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: despite their professional seafaring knowledge, "they knew not the land," highlighting the limits of human skill against the overwhelming power of nature, yet it is precisely in this state of helplessness that divine providence becomes most evident. The "creek with a shore" functions as **Symbolism**, representing a divinely provided refuge or a narrow window of opportunity that appears unexpectedly in a desperate situation. The entire scene also builds **Narrative Tension**, as the discovery of land, while hopeful, immediately presents a new, perilous challenge: how to safely navigate the damaged ship to that shore.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:39 serves as a profound testament to God's sovereign care and providential guidance, even when human understanding and control are completely overwhelmed. It illustrates that divine intervention does not always manifest as a miraculous disappearance of the storm, but often as the precise, timely provision of a means of escape or a next step, even if that means requires human effort and ingenuity. This verse reassures believers that even when they feel utterly lost or are in unfamiliar territory ("knew not the land"), God is actively working behind the scenes, guiding them to a place of safety or a necessary transition. The discovery of the creek, though seemingly a natural occurrence, is presented within a narrative framework that consistently emphasizes God's faithfulness to Paul's prophetic word, demonstrating that His plans will always prevail, regardless of the obstacles.

* [Psalm 107:28-30](/psalms/107-28-30 "God Delivers from Storms")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "God's Presence in Trials")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:39 offers a powerful and relatable metaphor for the Christian journey through life's inevitable storms. There will be seasons when we "know not the land"—when our circumstances are unfamiliar, confusing, and we feel utterly lost, disoriented by trials, financial crises, relational breakdowns, or health challenges. In such moments, the temptation to despair is strong, just as it was for Paul's companions. Yet, this verse reminds us that even in our deepest disorientation, God's providence is at work, often revealing an unexpected path or a temporary solution—a "creek with a shore"—that we might not have anticipated. Our role is to remain observant, to use the wisdom and resources God has given us, and to act decisively when a providential opening appears, even if it's not the perfect solution we envisioned. This verse encourages us to maintain hope, trust in God's guiding hand, and apply our God-given resourcefulness, knowing that He is faithfully bringing us through to His intended destination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel like you "know not the land," experiencing disorientation or uncertainty?**
* **How does the discovery of the "creek with a shore" in Acts 27:39 encourage you to look for unexpected provisions or opportunities in your own challenging circumstances?**
* **What is the balance between trusting God's providence and actively using your own resourcefulness and skills, as seen in the crew's actions?**
* **How can you maintain hope and purpose when faced with prolonged periods of difficulty or despair, drawing inspiration from this narrative?**

### FAQ

**Why didn't they know the land if they were professional sailors?**

Answer: The ship had been driven by a fierce storm, Euroclydon, for fourteen days without sun or stars, making celestial navigation impossible. They were completely off course and had no way of knowing their precise location. When they finally sighted land at dawn, they couldn't recognize any familiar landmarks, indicating how far they had drifted into an unknown region of the Mediterranean. Their lack of recognition underscored the severity of their ordeal and their complete disorientation.

**What was the significance of finding a "creek with a shore"?**

Answer: In their desperate situation, finding any land was a miracle, but finding a "creek with a shore" was particularly significant. A "creek" (Greek: _kolpos_) refers to a bay or inlet, which would offer some protection from the open sea and strong winds. A "shore" (Greek: _aigialos_) specifically implies a beach or sandy area suitable for running a ship aground, as opposed to a rocky coast that would immediately shatter the vessel. This specific geographical feature offered the best possible chance for a controlled grounding, allowing the ship to be partially salvaged and, more importantly, providing a safe disembarkation point for all 276 people on board. It was a providential discovery, precisely what they needed.

**Did they succeed in thrusting in the ship?**

Answer: Yes, they did, though not without further challenges. Acts 27:40-41 describes their attempt: they cut away the anchors, unfastened the rudders, hoisted the foresail, and made for the shore. However, the ship ran aground on a sandbar, where the bow stuck fast and remained immovable, while the stern began to break up under the force of the waves. Despite the ship's ultimate destruction, their effort to "thrust in" allowed everyone to escape safely to land, fulfilling Paul's prophecy that no lives would be lost ([Acts 27:22](/acts/27-22 "Paul's Prophecy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The harrowing journey of Acts 27, culminating in the providential discovery of a "creek with a shore" in Acts 27:39, powerfully foreshadows and illustrates the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Just as the ship's passengers were lost at sea, without direction and facing certain death, humanity is lost in the storm of sin, adrift without hope or a clear destination. Jesus Christ emerges as our ultimate "desired haven" and the "creek with a shore" into which we can "thrust in" our lives for salvation. He is the one who calms the raging storms of life, as seen in His miraculous calming of the Sea of Galilee ([Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Jesus Calms the Storm")), demonstrating His sovereign power over chaos and despair. Moreover, Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), providing the only true "land" or destination for our souls—eternal life with God. The journey to Rome for Paul, though perilous, ultimately served God's purpose for the spread of the Gospel, much like our earthly trials, when navigated with faith in Christ, lead us to our heavenly home, the "better country" that Abraham longed for ([Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Longing for a Better Country")). In Christ, we find not just a temporary refuge from life's storms, but the very anchor for our souls, sure and steadfast ([Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")), guiding us safely to the shores of eternity.

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

Acts 28:1

¶ And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.