Acts 27:39
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.
Acts 27:39 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the disciples are facing the challenge of navigating an unfamiliar land after a night of being tossed at sea. The phrase "they knew not the land" highlights their disorientation and uncertainty about their current location. Despite their lack of familiarity with the area, they stumble upon a creek with a shore that seems promising for their ship to dock. The phrase "they discovered a certain creek" signifies their relief at finding a potential safe haven amidst their predicament. The use of the word "certain" suggests a sense of assurance in their discovery.
The disciples are determined to make the best of this opportunity, expressed by their intention to "thrust in the ship" into the creek. This determination underscores their willingness to take risks and explore new possibilities to ensure their safety and well-being. The phrase "if it were possible" also conveys a sense of hope and optimism, indicating their willingness to try despite the uncertainty of the outcome. Overall, this verse captures the disciples' resilience in the face of adversity and their willingness to adapt and innovate in unfamiliar situations.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the disciples encountered a challenging situation as they found themselves in unfamiliar territory after having spent the night at sea. The phrase "they knew not the land" emphasizes their disorientation and uncertainty about their whereabouts. However, despite their initial confusion, they eventually came across a certain creek with a shore where they sought to anchor their ship. The word "discovered" implies a sense of revelation or uncovering, suggesting that this creek may have been hidden or not easily noticeable at first. The term "minded" indicates a deliberate intention on the part of the disciples to navigate their ship into the creek, demonstrating their thoughtful and purposeful approach to the situation. This verse highlights the disciples' perseverance and resourcefulness as they sought to find a safe harbor in the midst of their uncertainty, serving as a reminder of the importance of faith and persistence in navigating life's challenges.
Acts 27:39 in other translations
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.
World English Bible
When it was day, they didn’t recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it.
Douay-Rheims
And when it was day, they knew not the land. But they discovered a certain creek that had a shore, into which they minded, if they could, to thrust in the ship.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when it was day, they knewe not the countrey, but they spied a certaine creeke with a banke, into the which they were minded (if it were possible) to thrust in the ship.