Fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.
Parallel translations
- WEB Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.
- KJV Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
- BSB Fearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.
- NKJV Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come.
- NLT At this rate they were afraid we would soon be driven against the rocks along the shore, so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Fearing the rocks, they drop four anchors from the stern and long for daybreak.
Overview
To avoid being dashed on unseen rocks in the dark, the sailors anchor and wait anxiously for dawn. Their fear is real, yet God's promise of safety stands firm over their peril. The scene captures the tension between human dread and divine assurance, resolved as morning and rescue approach.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- Acts 27:17After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along.
- Heb 6:19This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil;
- Acts 27:26But we must run aground on a certain island.”
- Acts 27:40–41Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.
- Deut 28:67In the morning you will say, “I wish it were evening!” and at evening you will say, “I wish it were morning!” for the fear of your heart which you will fear, and for the sights which your eyes will see.
- Acts 27:30As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow,
- Ps 130:6My soul longs for the Lord more than watchmen long for the morning; more than watchmen for the morning.
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
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Original language
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