Acts 27:40

KJV

And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed [themselves] unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they had taken up {G4014} the anchors {G45}, they committed {G1439} themselves unto {G1519} the sea {G2281}, and {G260} loosed {G447} the rudder {G4079} bands {G2202}, and {G2532} hoised up {G1869} the mainsail {G736} to the wind {G4154}, and made {G2722} toward {G1519} shore {G123}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they cut away the anchors and left them in the sea; at the same time, they loosened the ropes that held the rudders out of the water. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and headed for the beach.

Berean Standard Bible

Cutting away the anchors, they left them in the sea as they loosened the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach.

American Standard Version

And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosing the bands of the rudders; and hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:40 captures a pivotal moment of desperate yet decisive action during Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome. After enduring fourteen days of a violent storm and receiving divine assurance of safety, the ship's crew, having sighted a bay with a beach, executes a series of precise nautical maneuvers—raising anchors, freeing the rudders, and hoisting a sail—all aimed at intentionally running the damaged vessel aground to save the lives of all 276 souls on board. This verse highlights the combination of human ingenuity and divine providence at work in a moment of extreme crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of the harrowing shipwreck narrative detailed in [Acts chapter 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - The Shipwreck"). Prior to this, the ship had been relentlessly battered by the tempestuous "Euraquilo" for two weeks, leading the crew to jettison cargo and even parts of the ship's tackle in a desperate attempt to lighten the vessel ([Acts 27:18-19](/acts/27-18-19 "Acts 27:18-19 - Jettisoning Cargo")). During the night, fearing they were nearing land and might be dashed against rocks, they had dropped four anchors from the stern to hold their position ([Acts 27:29](/acts/27-29 "Acts 27:29 - Anchors Dropped")). As dawn breaks, they spot a bay with a beach, prompting the strategic actions described in this verse, which immediately precede the ship running aground and breaking apart ([Acts 27:41](/acts/27-41 "Acts 27:41 - The Ship Breaks Apart")). The entire sequence underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Paul that no lives would be lost ([Acts 27:22-24](/acts/27-22-24 "Acts 27:22-24 - Paul's Prophecy of Safety")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Mediterranean seafaring was inherently dangerous, especially during the stormy season (late autumn to early spring), which is when this voyage occurred. Ships were typically wooden vessels, often propelled by a single large square sail, and steered by two large steering oars (rudders) at the stern. Anchors were heavy stones or metal hooks, and their deployment was a critical maneuver for holding position. The practice of "loosing rudder bands" indicates that during severe storms, rudders were often lashed or secured to prevent damage or uncontrolled movement, and freeing them was necessary to regain steerage. The "mainsail" (artemon) mentioned here likely refers to a smaller foresail, often used for stability and steering rather than propulsion in controlled maneuvers like beaching, especially when the main mast might have been damaged or lowered. The detailed description in Acts 27 is considered one of the most accurate ancient accounts of maritime travel, reflecting Luke's meticulous reporting and familiarity with such details.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 27:40 powerfully illustrates several key themes woven throughout the broader narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Human Responsibility**, demonstrating that God's sovereign plan for salvation ([Acts 27:24](/acts/27-24 "Acts 27:24 - God's Promise to Paul")) does not negate human effort and skill. The sailors, despite God's assurance, actively employ their expertise to achieve the promised outcome. Secondly, the verse underscores **Decisive Action in Crisis**. After prolonged despair and passive endurance, the sighting of land prompts immediate, coordinated, and strategic action, emphasizing the importance of resolve and ingenuity when facing critical circumstances. Finally, it subtly speaks to **Hope and Deliverance**, as the actions taken are a direct response to the renewed hope of survival, moving from a state of abandonment to a concerted effort towards rescue.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **anchors (Greek, _ánkyra'_):** From a root meaning "crooked," referring to the curved shape of an anchor. In this context, it refers to the four anchors that had been dropped from the stern during the night to prevent the ship from being driven onto rocks ([Acts 27:29](/acts/27-29 "Acts 27:29 - Anchors Deployed")). Taking them up was essential to allow the ship to move forward towards the shore.
* **committed (Greek, _eáō'_):** Meaning "to let be, permit, or leave alone." Here, it implies releasing the ship's hold on its position and allowing it to be carried by the elements, albeit with controlled steering, towards the shore. It signifies a deliberate act of letting go of their previous stationary position to move towards their objective.
* **mainsail (Greek, _artémōn'_):** This term, often translated as "mainsail," more accurately refers to a foresail or jib in ancient Greek nautical contexts. It was a smaller sail placed at the bow of the ship. In the context of running a ship aground, this sail would not be used for speed but rather for steering and stability, helping to drive the bow into the wind or shore and prevent the ship from being broadsided by waves, which would be catastrophic during beaching.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had taken up the anchors":** This action signifies the end of their stationary, defensive posture. The anchors, which had held the ship in place through the night, were now retrieved, allowing the vessel to be set in motion towards the perceived safety of the shore. This was a crucial first step in their attempt to beach the ship.
* **"they committed [themselves] unto the sea":** This phrase, using the verb _eáō_, indicates a deliberate act of releasing the ship from its anchored position and entrusting it to the forces of the sea, albeit with a specific destination in mind. It implies a calculated risk, letting the ship be carried by the currents and wind, but with active steering.
* **"and loosed the rudder bands":** Ancient ships typically had two large steering oars or rudders at the stern. During severe storms, these would often be secured or "banded" to prevent damage from violent movements or to fix their position. Loosing these bands was essential to regain full control over the ship's steering, allowing the crew to guide the vessel precisely towards the desired landing spot.
* **"and hoised up the mainsail to the wind":** As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, the "mainsail" here refers to the _artemon_ or foresail. This sail was hoisted not for speed, but strategically to catch the wind. Its purpose was to help stabilize the ship and provide directional control, driving the bow forward and preventing the ship from turning broadside to the waves as it approached the beach, a maneuver critical for a controlled grounding.
* **"and made toward shore":** This final clause states the ultimate objective of all the preceding actions. With anchors up, rudders free, and the foresail set, the crew intentionally directed the ship towards the beach, aiming for a controlled grounding to save all lives, trusting in their skill and God's promise.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in Acts 27:40 is characterized by **Vivid Description** and precise **Nautical Terminology**, which lend an air of authenticity and immediacy to the narrative. The detailed enumeration of the crew's actions—raising anchors, freeing rudders, hoisting the foresail—creates a dynamic scene, allowing the reader to visualize the coordinated efforts under pressure. The rapid succession of these actions also contributes to a sense of **Narrative Pace**, mirroring the urgency and decisiveness required in such a life-threatening situation. Furthermore, the verse employs **Synecdoche** by referring to the "mainsail" (artemon) to represent the specific part of the ship used for steering and control in this particular maneuver, rather than the entire sailing apparatus. The entire scene can also be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, where the human effort and skill, meticulously applied, work in concert with divine providence to achieve deliverance, illustrating the biblical principle that faith is often active and resourceful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:40 stands as a profound illustration of the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God had explicitly promised Paul that no life would be lost ([Acts 27:24](/acts/27-24 "Acts 27:24 - God's Promise of Safety")), yet this promise did not negate the necessity of diligent human action. The sailors did not passively wait for a miraculous rescue; instead, they employed all their nautical skill, ingenuity, and courage to navigate the ship to safety. This narrative beautifully demonstrates that God's providential care often works *through* human effort, wisdom, and obedience, rather than bypassing it. It challenges a passive faith, calling believers to active participation in their circumstances, trusting that God will bless and direct their righteous endeavors.

* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work out your salvation") - "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith without works is dead") - "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.") - "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:40 offers powerful lessons for navigating the storms of life, both personal and communal. It reminds us that even when we have received divine promises or feel assured of God's presence, our faith is not meant to be passive. Just as the sailors, despite Paul's prophecy, meticulously planned and executed their maneuvers, we are called to engage actively with our challenges, employing our God-given intelligence, skills, and resources. This passage encourages us to move from despair to decisive action, to be resourceful and strategic even under immense pressure, and to persevere with hope until the very end. It underscores that true faith often manifests in diligent effort, trusting that God will work through our actions to bring about His purposes. We are to "hoist our sails" and "loose our rudder bands," making every effort towards the "shore" God has prepared, knowing that He is sovereign over the outcome.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be passively waiting for a "miracle" when God is calling you to active, strategic engagement?**
* **How can you better balance your trust in God's providence with your responsibility to act diligently and decisively in challenging situations?**
* **What "rudder bands" (hindrances, fears, or old habits) might you need to "loose" to gain better control and direction in your spiritual journey or current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did they "loose the rudder bands" and "hoist up the mainsail" if they were trying to run aground? Wouldn't that be dangerous?**

Answer: These actions, far from being dangerous, were crucial for a *controlled* beaching, which was their only hope of survival. Ancient ships typically had two large steering oars (rudders) at the stern. During a severe storm, these rudders would often be lashed or "banded" to prevent damage or uncontrolled swinging. Loosing these bands ([G2202](/acts/27-40 "Acts 27:40 - Rudder Bands")) allowed the crew to regain full steering control, which was essential for directing the ship precisely towards the sandy beach they had spotted. The "mainsail" mentioned here is the Greek _artémōn_ ([G736](/acts/27-40 "Acts 27:40 - Mainsail")), which was a smaller foresail located at the bow. This sail was not hoisted for speed, but strategically to catch the wind. Its purpose was to help drive the ship's bow forward and prevent it from being broadsided by waves as it approached the shore. Being hit broadside by waves during a grounding would likely cause the ship to capsize or break apart immediately, endangering everyone. By using the foresail and rudders, they aimed to hit the beach bow-first, allowing the ship to break up more gradually and give everyone a chance to escape, as indeed happened in [Acts 27:41-44](/acts/27-41-44 "Acts 27:41-44 - The Shipwreck and Survival").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:40, with its vivid depiction of human effort in the face of overwhelming natural forces, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate deliverance found in Christ. Just as the sailors, guided by Paul's prophetic word, meticulously worked to bring the ship to a safe "shore," so too does Christ, our Great Captain, navigate us through the turbulent storms of life to the eternal haven. He is the one who has ultimate authority over the winds and waves ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), and His presence in our "vessel" ensures our ultimate safety, even when the journey is fraught with peril. The decisive actions of the crew, born of desperate hope, mirror the call to active faith in Christ—not a passive waiting, but a diligent "working out" of our salvation, knowing that it is God who works in us ([Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work out your salvation")). Ultimately, the "shore" they made toward symbolizes the secure and eternal destination that Christ has prepared for all who trust in Him, a salvation not earned by human effort but received by grace through faith, yet often involving our active participation in His redemptive plan ([Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Grace through Faith for Good Works")). He is our sure anchor in the storms of life ([Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")), guiding us safely to the heavenly shore.

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

Isaiah 33:23

Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.

Acts 27:29

Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

Acts 27:30

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,