The Greek word epokéllō, represented by G2027, describes the action of driving a vessel onto the shore, meaning to run aground. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times within a 1 unique verse in the Bible. The word captures the final, desperate act of beaching a ship to save its passengers from a storm.
The sole use of G2027 is found in the account of the Apostle Paul's shipwreck on the way to Rome. In a dramatic moment, the sailors discover a place where they can attempt to beach the vessel. The scripture states, "...falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground G2027; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves" Acts 27:41. The word here describes the intentional act of steering the ship into the land to prevent it from being completely destroyed in the open sea.
Several related words in the immediate context help paint a vivid picture of the event:
- G3491 naûs (ship): The boat that is run aground. The word is defined as "a boat (of any size)" and is the central object of the action in Acts 27:41.
- G1337 dithálassos (where two seas meet): This describes the unique location of the shipwreck. It is defined as "having two seas, i.e. a sound with a double outlet" Acts 27:41.
- G2043 ereídō (stick fast): This word conveys the immediate result of the ship running aground, meaning "to prop, i.e. (reflexively) get fast." It describes how the front of the ship became lodged Acts 27:41.
- G3089 lýō (broken): In contrast to the front, the stern of the ship "was broken" by the waves. This word means to "'loosen' (literally or figuratively):--break (up), destroy, dissolve" Acts 27:41.
The vocabulary of this event carries significant theological weight when compared with other scriptures.
- Physical vs. Spiritual Steadfastness: The ship's forepart "remained unmoveable" G761 in the sand Acts 27:41. The word asáleutos is also used to describe the believer's inheritance: a "kingdom which cannot be moved" Hebrews 12:28, contrasting the temporary stillness of the ship with the eternal security of God's kingdom.
- Destructive vs. Redemptive Breaking: The stern was violently "broken" G3089 by the waves Acts 27:41. The same word, lýō, is used theologically for Christ's mission to "destroy the works of the devil" 1 John 3:8 and to have "broken down the middle wall of partition" Ephesians 2:14. This contrasts a physical destruction with a purposeful, spiritual dismantling of evil and division.
- The Call to Abide: The prow of the ship "remained" G3306 stuck fast. This word, ménō, is a key term in the New Testament for spiritual endurance, as seen in the command to "abide in me" John 15:4 and the description of how faith, hope, and charity "abideth" 1 Corinthians 13:13.
In summary, G2027 epokéllō is a highly specific term that marks a pivotal moment of destruction and deliverance in the book of Acts. While its literal meaning is confined to the physical act of running a ship aground, the vocabulary surrounding its single occurrence in scripture points to deeper truths. The concepts of being unmoveable, broken, and remaining are used elsewhere to illustrate the eternal nature of God's kingdom, the redemptive work of Christ, and the call for believers to abide in Him.
TRV