The Meaning of Acts 27:24 Explained

Acts 27:24

KJV: Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

YLT: saying, Be not afraid Paul; before Caesar it behoveth thee to stand; and, lo, God hath granted to thee all those sailing with thee;

Darby: saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted to thee all those that sail with thee.

ASV: saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must stand before Caesar: and lo, God hath granted thee all them that sail with thee.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Saying,  Fear  {5737} not,  Paul;  thou  must  be brought before  Caesar:  and,  lo,  God  hath given  thee  all  them that sail  with  thee. 

What does Acts 27:24 Mean?

Context Summary

Acts 27:14-26 - Savior Of The Ship's Company
The crew, being greatly exhausted by severe exertion and want of food, were the more willing to listen to the Apostle when he came to the front with his wise counsels and good cheer. They had previously ignored His advice, but were glad and wise enough to take it on this second occasion.
How calm faith makes us! We can sleep soundly amid the roar of the storm and dream of angels when our hearts are stayed on God. His messengers can cleave their way through the murkiest skies and most drenching storms, to succor those who need their help. What a beautiful confession that was: Whose I am and whom I serve! Can we all appropriate it? The first clause is literally true of us all. We belong to Christ by creation and redemption. But do we acknowledge His ownership and place our all in His service?
In the midst of the excitement, Paul was able to give thanks. Let not the good habit of grace before meals drop out of our practice or homes. What a magnificent sentence is this also-I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Yes, there is no peace outside of that faith. And it shall be, O believer, your happy experience! [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 27

1  Paul shipping toward Rome,
10  foretells of the danger of the voyage,
11  but is not believed
14  They are tossed to and fro by a storm;
41  and suffer shipwreck;
44  yet all come safe to land

Greek Commentary for Acts 27:24

Thou must stand before Caesar [Καισαρι σε δει παραστηναι]
Note the same δει — dei (must) as in Acts 23:11 when Jesus appeared to Paul in Jerusalem and the same verb παραστηναι — parastēnai (second aorist active infinitive) used in Acts 27:23. [source]
Hath granted thee [κεχαρισται σοι]
Perfect middle indicative of χαριζομαι — charizomai and that from χαρις — charis a gift or grace. The lives of those that sailed with Paul God had spared as a gift (χαρις — charis) to Paul. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 27:24

Acts 27:9 And the voyage was now dangerous [και οντος ηδη επισπαλους]
Genitive absolute, “and the voyage being already Because the Fast was now already gone by (δια το και την νηστειαν ηδη παρεληλυτεναι — dia to kai tēn nēsteian ēdē parelēluthenai). Accusative (after δια — dia) of the articular infinitive perfect active of παρερχομαι — parerchomai to pass by, with the accusative of general reference (νηστειαν — nēsteian the great day of atonement of the Jews, Leviticus 16:29.) occurring about the end of September. The ancients considered navigation on the Mediterranean unsafe from early October till the middle of March. In a.d. 59 the Fast occurred on Oct. 5. There is nothing strange in Luke using this Jewish note of time as in Acts 20:6 though a Gentile Christian. Paul did it also (1 Corinthians 16:8). It is no proof that Luke was a Jewish proselyte. We do not know precisely when the party left Caesarea (possibly in August), but in ample time to arrive in Rome before October if conditions had been more favourable. But the contrary winds had made the voyage very slow and difficult all the way (Acts 27:7) besides the long delay here in this harbour of Fair Havens. Paul admonished them Imperfect active of παραινεω — paraineō old word to exhort from παρα — para and αινεω — aineō to praise (Acts 3:8), only here and Acts 27:22 in N.T. It is remarkable that a prisoner like Paul should venture to give advice at all and to keep on doing it (imperfect tense inchoative, began to admonish and kept on at it). Paul had clearly won the respect of the centurion and officers and also felt it to be his duty to give this unasked for warning. I perceive (τεωρω — theōrō). Old word from τεωρος — theōros a spectator. See note on Luke 10:18. Paul does not here claim prophecy, but he had plenty of experience with three shipwrecks already (2 Corinthians 11:25) to justify his apprehension. Will be Infinitive in indirect assertion followed by future infinitive after μελλειν — mellein in spite of οτι — hoti which would naturally call for present indicative μελλει — mellei an anacoluthon due to the long sentence (Robertson, Grammar, p. 478). With injury (μετα υβρεως — meta hubreōs). An old word from υπερ — huper (above, upper, like our “uppishness”) and so pride, insult, personal injury, the legal word for personal assault (Page). Josephus (Ant. III. 6, 4) uses it of the injury of the elements. Loss Old word, opposite of κερδος — kerdos gain or profit (Philemon 3:7.). Nowhere else in N.T. Lading (πορτιου — phortiou). Diminutive of πορτος — phortos (from περω — pherō to bear) only in form. Common word, but in N.T. only here in literal sense, as metaphor in Matthew 11:30; Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46; Galatians 6:5. But also of our lives Common use of πσυχη — psuchē for life, originally “breath of life” (Acts 20:10), and also “soul” (Acts 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (Acts 27:24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul‘s advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage. [source]
Acts 27:9 Paul admonished them [παρηινηι ο Παυλος]
Imperfect active of παραινεω — paraineō old word to exhort from παρα — para and αινεω — aineō to praise (Acts 3:8), only here and Acts 27:22 in N.T. It is remarkable that a prisoner like Paul should venture to give advice at all and to keep on doing it (imperfect tense inchoative, began to admonish and kept on at it). Paul had clearly won the respect of the centurion and officers and also felt it to be his duty to give this unasked for warning. I perceive (τεωρω — theōrō). Old word from τεωρος — theōros a spectator. See note on Luke 10:18. Paul does not here claim prophecy, but he had plenty of experience with three shipwrecks already (2 Corinthians 11:25) to justify his apprehension. Will be Infinitive in indirect assertion followed by future infinitive after μελλειν — mellein in spite of οτι — hoti which would naturally call for present indicative μελλει — mellei an anacoluthon due to the long sentence (Robertson, Grammar, p. 478). With injury (μετα υβρεως — meta hubreōs). An old word from υπερ — huper (above, upper, like our “uppishness”) and so pride, insult, personal injury, the legal word for personal assault (Page). Josephus (Ant. III. 6, 4) uses it of the injury of the elements. Loss Old word, opposite of κερδος — kerdos gain or profit (Philemon 3:7.). Nowhere else in N.T. Lading (πορτιου — phortiou). Diminutive of πορτος — phortos (from περω — pherō to bear) only in form. Common word, but in N.T. only here in literal sense, as metaphor in Matthew 11:30; Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46; Galatians 6:5. But also of our lives Common use of πσυχη — psuchē for life, originally “breath of life” (Acts 20:10), and also “soul” (Acts 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (Acts 27:24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul‘s advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage. [source]
Acts 27:9 But also of our lives [αλλα και των πσυχων]
Common use of πσυχη — psuchē for life, originally “breath of life” (Acts 20:10), and also “soul” (Acts 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (Acts 27:24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul‘s advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage. [source]
Acts 27:31 Except these abide in the ship [Εαν μη ουτοι μεινωσιν εν τωι πλοιωι]
Condition of the third class (undetermined, but with hope, etc.). Paul has no hesitancy in saying this in spite of his strong language in Acts 27:24 about God‘s promise. He has no notion of lying supinely down and leaving God to do it all. Without the sailors the ship could not be properly beached. [source]
Acts 27:44 They all escaped safe [παντας διασωτηναι]
First aorist passive infinitive of διασωζω — diasōzō (the very word used for the desire of the centurion about Paul) with accusative of general reference, the clause being subject of εγενετο — egeneto So Luke in this marvellous narrative, worthy of any historian in any age, shows how Paul‘s promise was fulfilled (Acts 27:24). Paul the prisoner is the hero of the voyage and shipwreck, a wonderful example of God‘s providential care. [source]
Acts 3:14 Murderer [ανδρα πονεα]
A man a murderer. In contrast with “the Holy and Righteous One.” To be granted (χαριστηναι — charisthēnai). As a favour (χαρις — charis). First aorist passive infinitive of χαριζομαι — charizomai So also Acts 25:11; Acts 27:24. [source]
Acts 27:9 Will be [μελλειν εσεσται]
Infinitive in indirect assertion followed by future infinitive after μελλειν — mellein in spite of οτι — hoti which would naturally call for present indicative μελλει — mellei an anacoluthon due to the long sentence (Robertson, Grammar, p. 478). With injury (μετα υβρεως — meta hubreōs). An old word from υπερ — huper (above, upper, like our “uppishness”) and so pride, insult, personal injury, the legal word for personal assault (Page). Josephus (Ant. III. 6, 4) uses it of the injury of the elements. Loss Old word, opposite of κερδος — kerdos gain or profit (Philemon 3:7.). Nowhere else in N.T. Lading (πορτιου — phortiou). Diminutive of πορτος — phortos (from περω — pherō to bear) only in form. Common word, but in N.T. only here in literal sense, as metaphor in Matthew 11:30; Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46; Galatians 6:5. But also of our lives Common use of πσυχη — psuchē for life, originally “breath of life” (Acts 20:10), and also “soul” (Acts 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (Acts 27:24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul‘s advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage. [source]
Acts 27:9 Loss [ζημιαν]
Old word, opposite of κερδος — kerdos gain or profit (Philemon 3:7.). Nowhere else in N.T. Lading (πορτιου — phortiou). Diminutive of πορτος — phortos (from περω — pherō to bear) only in form. Common word, but in N.T. only here in literal sense, as metaphor in Matthew 11:30; Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46; Galatians 6:5. But also of our lives Common use of πσυχη — psuchē for life, originally “breath of life” (Acts 20:10), and also “soul” (Acts 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (Acts 27:24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul‘s advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage. [source]
Acts 3:14 To be granted [χαριστηναι]
As a favour First aorist passive infinitive of χαριζομαι — charizomai So also Acts 25:11; Acts 27:24. [source]
Romans 14:10 Or thou again [η και συ]
Referring to the “strong” brother. Shall stand before (παραστησομετα — parastēsometha). Future middle of παριστημι — paristēmi and intransitive, to stand beside (παρα — para) with the locative case (τωι βεματι — tōi bemati the judgment seat) as in Acts 27:24. See the same figure of God in 2 Corinthians 5:10. [source]
Romans 14:10 Shall stand before [παραστησομετα]
Future middle of παριστημι — paristēmi and intransitive, to stand beside (παρα — para) with the locative case (τωι βεματι — tōi bemati the judgment seat) as in Acts 27:24. See the same figure of God in 2 Corinthians 5:10. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 27:24 mean?

saying Not fear Paul Caesar you it behooves to stand before And behold has granted to you - God all those sailing with you
λέγων Μὴ φοβοῦ Παῦλε Καίσαρί σε δεῖ παραστῆναι καὶ ἰδοὺ κεχάρισταί σοι Θεὸς πάντας τοὺς πλέοντας μετὰ σοῦ

λέγων  saying 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
φοβοῦ  fear 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Singular
Root: φοβέομαι 
Sense: to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away).
Παῦλε  Paul 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Singular
Root: Παῦλος  
Sense: Paul was the most famous of the apostles and wrote a good part of the NT, the 4 Pauline epistles.
Καίσαρί  Caesar 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Καῖσαρ  
Sense: the surname of Julius Caesar, which adopted by Octavius Augustus and his successors afterwards became a title, and was appropriated by the Roman emperors as part of their title.
δεῖ  it  behooves 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: δεῖ  
Sense: it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper.
παραστῆναι  to  stand  before 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: παριστάνω 
Sense: to place beside or near.
ἰδοὺ  behold 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: ἰδού  
Sense: behold, see, lo.
κεχάρισταί  has  granted 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: χαρίζομαι  
Sense: to do something pleasant or agreeable (to one), to do a favour to, gratify.
σοι  to  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 2nd Person Singular
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεὸς  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
τοὺς  those 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πλέοντας  sailing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: πλέω  
Sense: to sail, navigate, travel by ship.