Devine Scripture

Acts 27:19

What does Acts 27:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 27:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 27:19 means

On the third day, with their own hands, they throw overboard the ship’s tackle—gear essential for sailing. This is more than loss of profit; it is loss of function. They are dismantling their capacity to control the vessel, choosing present survival over future maneuverability. The phrase “with their own hands” underscores reluctant resolve; the crew sacrifices what defines them as sailors. The storm has reduced them to bare existence. The verse conveys how crisis compels us to surrender cherished tools and plans, leaving only dependence on providence and whatever strength remains to ride out the gale.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And on the third day, they let all the sailing apparatus go over the side.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and on the third <FI>day<Fi> with our own hands the tackling of the ship we cast out,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the third day they cast out with their own hands the tacking of the ship.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and on the third day with their own hands they cast away the ship furniture.

Context

Following the dumping of cargo, the crew now discards essential equipment, dramatizing how dire the situation has become. They continue to be driven by a storm that will not break. The next verse describes an extended period without sun or stars and the loss of hope for rescue. That statement marks the emotional nadir, paving the way for Paul’s God-given word of assurance that changes the spiritual atmosphere on board.

v.18And as we labored exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw the freight overboard;

v.19This passage

v.20And when neither sun nor stars shone upon us for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was now taken away.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Job 2:4

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

  • Luke 9:24

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

  • Jonah 1:5

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

  • Mark 8:35

    For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s shall save it.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 27

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 27.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Acts 27:19.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary