CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 27:28 They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. Going a little farther, they took another set of soundings that read fifteen fathoms.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/27-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/44_Act_27_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 27:28 - The Shipwreck" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. Going a little farther, they took another set of soundings that read fifteen fathoms." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/27-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/27-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/27.htm">Chapter 27</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/27-27.htm" title="Acts 27:27">◄</a> Acts 27:28 <a href="/acts/27-29.htm" title="Acts 27:29">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/27.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/27.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/27.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They dropped a weighted line and found that the water was 120 feet deep. But a little later they measured again and found it was only 90 feet deep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/27.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. Going a little farther, they took another set of soundings that read fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having taken soundings, they found twenty fathoms. Then having gone a little farther and having taken soundings again, they found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/27.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And sounded, and found <i>it</i> twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found <i>it</i> fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/27.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And they took soundings and found <i>it</i> to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found <i>it</i> to be fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And they took soundings and found <i>it to be</i> twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found <i>it to be</i> fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/27.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they took soundings, and found <i>it to be</i> twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found <i>it to be</i> fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And when they took soundings, they found <i>it to be</i> twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found <i>it to be</i> fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So they took soundings [using a weighted line] and found [the depth to be] twenty fathoms (120 feet); and a little farther on they sounded again and found [the depth to be] fifteen fathoms (90 feet).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They took soundings and found it to be a hundred twenty feet deep; when they had sailed a little farther and sounded again, they found it to be ninety feet deep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They took a sounding and found it to be 120 feet deep; when they had sailed a little farther and sounded again, they found it to be 90 feet deep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/27.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and they sounded, and found twenty fathoms; and after a little space, they sounded again, and found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They measured and found that the water was about 40 meters deep. A little later they measured again and found it was only about 30 meters. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/27.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and they sounded, and found twenty fathoms: and after a little space, they sounded again, and found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So they threw a line with a weight on it into the water. It sank 120 feet. They waited a little while and did the same thing again. This time the line sank 90 feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/27.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So they dropped a line with a weight tied to it and found that the water was one hundred and twenty feet deep; a little later they did the same and found that it was ninety feet deep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/27.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />After taking soundings, they found the depth to be twenty fathoms. A little later, they took soundings again and found it was fifteen fathoms. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. Going a little farther, they took another set of soundings that read fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/27.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They took soundings and found the water was twenty fathoms deep; when they had sailed a little farther they took soundings again and found it was fifteen fathoms deep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So they hove the lead and found twenty fathoms of water; and after a short time they hove again and found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/27.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They took soundings and found twenty fathoms. After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and having sounded they found twenty fathoms, and having gone a little farther, and again having sounded, they found fifteen fathoms,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having taken soundings, they found twenty fathoms. Then having gone a little farther and having taken soundings again, they found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and having sounded they found twenty fathoms, and having gone a little farther, and again having sounded, they found fifteen fathoms,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And having sounded, they found twenty fathoms; and having removed a little, and again having sounded, they found fifteen fathoms.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who also sounding, found twenty fathoms; and going on a little further, they found fifteen fathoms. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And upon dropping a weight, they found a depth of twenty paces. And some distance from there, they found a depth of fifteen paces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/27.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They took soundings and found twenty fathoms; a little farther on, they again took soundings and found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So they took soundings and found twenty fathoms; a little farther on they took soundings again and found fifteen fathoms.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So they cast the sounding lead, and found twenty fathoms; and again, they sailed a little farther, and took soundings and found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/27.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And they cast an anchor and they found twenty fathoms and they journeyed again a little more and they found fifteen fathoms.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/27.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And they sounded, and found twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, and sounded again, they found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/27.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And having sounded, they found it twenty fathoms; and moving on a short distance, and sounding again, they found it fifteen fathoms;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/27.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />and sounding, had twenty fathoms; then passing on a little farther, and sounding again, they had fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/27.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />they threw the line and sounded twenty fathom water: a little further they sounded again, and came to fifteen fathom:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So they hove the lead and found twenty fathoms of water; and after a short time they hove again and found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/27.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />and, sounding, they found twenty fathoms; and, going a little further, and again sounding, they found fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/27.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and sounding they found <i>it</i> twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, and sounded again, they found <i>it</i> fifteen fathoms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/27-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=9125" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/27.htm">The Shipwreck</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27</span>On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea. About midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1001.htm" title="1001: bolisantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To cast the line (for sounding), I sound. From bolis; to heave the lead.">They took soundings</a> <a href="/greek/2147.htm" title="2147: heuron (V-AIA-3P) -- A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.">and found that the water</a> <a href="/greek/1501.htm" title="1501: eikosi (Adj-AFP) -- Twenty. Of uncertain affinity; a score.">was twenty</a> <a href="/greek/3712.htm" title="3712: orguias (N-AFP) -- A fathom, about five or six feet. From oregomai; a stretch of the arms, i.e. A fathom.">fathoms deep.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1339.htm" title="1339: diastēsantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To put apart, separate, put some distance between. From dia and histemi; to stand apart, i.e. to remove, intervene.">Going</a> <a href="/greek/1024.htm" title="1024: brachy (Adj-ANS) -- Short, little, few. Of uncertain affinity; short.">a little farther,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1001.htm" title="1001: bolisantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To cast the line (for sounding), I sound. From bolis; to heave the lead.">they took another set of soundings</a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand."></a> <a href="/greek/2147.htm" title="2147: heuron (V-AIA-3P) -- A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.">that read</a> <a href="/greek/1178.htm" title="1178: dekapente (Adj-AFP) -- Fifteen. From deka and pente; ten and five, i.e. Fifteen.">fifteen</a> <a href="/greek/3712.htm" title="3712: orguias (N-AFP) -- A fathom, about five or six feet. From oregomai; a stretch of the arms, i.e. A fathom.">fathoms.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">29</span>Fearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/1-11.htm">Jonah 1:11-15</a></span><br />Now the sea was growing worse and worse, so they said to Jonah, “What must we do to you to calm this sea for us?” / “Pick me up,” he answered, “and cast me into the sea, so it may quiet down for you. For I know that I am to blame for this violent storm that has come upon you.” / Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea was raging against them more and more. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-23.htm">Psalm 107:23-30</a></span><br />Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. / They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. / For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-23.htm">Matthew 8:23-27</a></span><br />When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. / Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-37.htm">Mark 4:37-41</a></span><br />Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. / But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” / Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-22.htm">Luke 8:22-25</a></span><br />One day Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So He got into a boat with them and set out. / As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-16.htm">John 6:16-21</a></span><br />When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, / got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them. / A strong wind was blowing, and the sea grew agitated. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-25.htm">2 Corinthians 11:25</a></span><br />Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-1.htm">Psalm 69:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. / I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me. / I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-2.htm">Isaiah 43:2</a></span><br />When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/27-26.htm">Ezekiel 27:26-27</a></span><br />Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea. / Your wealth, wares, and merchandise, your sailors, captains, and shipwrights, your merchants and all the warriors within you, with all the other people on board, will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/88-6.htm">Psalm 88:6-7</a></span><br />You have laid me in the lowest Pit, in the darkest of the depths. / Your wrath weighs heavily upon me; all Your waves have submerged me. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/93-3.htm">Psalm 93:3-4</a></span><br />The floodwaters have risen, O LORD; the rivers have raised their voice; the seas lift up their pounding waves. / Above the roar of many waters—the mighty breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is majestic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-16.htm">Psalm 18:16</a></span><br />He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/65-5.htm">Psalm 65:5-7</a></span><br />With awesome deeds of righteousness You answer us, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. / You formed the mountains by Your power, having girded Yourself with might. / You stilled the roaring of the seas, the pounding of their waves, and the tumult of the nations.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/20-9.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/acts/27-7.htm">Farther</a> <a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/acts/7-14.htm">Fifteen</a> <a href="/acts/27-6.htm">Found</a> <a href="/acts/27-7.htm">Further</a> <a href="/acts/23-23.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/acts/27-14.htm">Little</a> <a href="/luke/15-7.htm">Ninety</a> <a href="/acts/27-27.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/acts/26-29.htm">Short</a> <a href="/luke/1-44.htm">Sounded</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-14.htm">Sounding</a> <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Space</a> <a href="/acts/27-21.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/1-15.htm">Twenty</a> <a href="/acts/11-16.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-5.htm">Farther</a> <a href="/romans/3-15.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/galatians/1-18.htm">Fifteen</a> <a href="/acts/28-1.htm">Found</a> <a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Further</a> <a href="/acts/27-37.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/acts/27-33.htm">Little</a> <a href="/genesis/5-9.htm">Ninety</a> <a href="/acts/27-30.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Short</a> <a href="/romans/10-18.htm">Sounded</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">Sounding</a> <a href="/acts/28-30.htm">Space</a> <a href="/acts/27-40.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">Twenty</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-4.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 27</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/27-1.htm">Paul shipping toward Rome,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/27-10.htm">foretells of the danger of the voyage,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/27-11.htm">but is not believed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/27-14.htm">They are tossed to and fro by a storm;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/27-41.htm">and suffer shipwreck;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/27-44.htm">yet all come safe to land.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/27.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/27.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They took soundings</b><br>In ancient maritime navigation, taking soundings was a common practice to measure the depth of water. Sailors used a lead line, a rope with a lead weight, to determine how deep the water was. This practice was crucial for avoiding underwater hazards and ensuring safe passage, especially in unfamiliar or treacherous waters. The act of taking soundings reflects the sailors' caution and experience, highlighting the perilous nature of their journey.<p><b>and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep.</b><br>A fathom is approximately six feet, so twenty fathoms would be about 120 feet deep. This depth indicates that the ship was approaching land, as shallower waters typically suggest proximity to the shore. The context of <a href="/acts/27.htm">Acts 27</a> describes Paul's journey to Rome, where he faced a storm at sea. The decreasing depth would have been a sign of nearing land, which was both hopeful and dangerous, as it could mean potential shipwreck if not navigated carefully.<p><b>Going a little farther,</b><br>This phrase suggests the ship continued its course, albeit cautiously. The decision to proceed indicates the crew's desire to find a safe harbor or anchorage. In the broader narrative of <a href="/acts/27.htm">Acts 27</a>, this moment is part of the intense struggle against the storm, where every decision could mean life or death for those aboard.<p><b>they took another set of soundings</b><br>The repetition of taking soundings shows the sailors' diligence and the increasing urgency of their situation. It underscores the importance of constant vigilance in navigating the stormy seas. This careful monitoring reflects the broader biblical theme of watchfulness and preparedness, as seen in passages like <a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42</a>, where believers are urged to stay alert.<p><b>that read fifteen fathoms.</b><br>The reduction in depth to fifteen fathoms, or about 90 feet, indicates that the ship was getting closer to land. This change would have heightened the tension among the crew and passengers, as the risk of running aground increased. In the context of <a href="/acts/27.htm">Acts 27</a>, this moment foreshadows the impending shipwreck on the island of Malta, where God's providence and protection over Paul and his companions are ultimately revealed.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>- The Apostle Paul is on a journey to Rome as a prisoner. He is under Roman guard and is being transported by ship.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sailors.htm">Sailors</a></b><br>- The crew of the ship, responsible for navigating and ensuring the safety of the vessel and its passengers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/soundings.htm">Soundings</a></b><br>- A nautical term referring to the measurement of water depth. In this context, it indicates the sailors' efforts to determine their proximity to land.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/fathoms.htm">Fathoms</a></b><br>- A unit of measurement used in nautical contexts, equivalent to six feet. The soundings reveal decreasing depth, indicating the ship is approaching land.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_mediterranean_sea.htm">The Mediterranean Sea</a></b><br>- The body of water where this event takes place, specifically near the island of Malta, as the ship is caught in a storm.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_crisis.htm">God's Sovereignty in Crisis</a></b><br>Even in the midst of a storm, God is in control. The decreasing depth of the water signifies approaching land, a sign of hope and divine guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_responsibility_and_divine_guidance.htm">Human Responsibility and Divine Guidance</a></b><br>The sailors' actions in taking soundings show the balance between human responsibility and reliance on God's providence. We are called to act wisely while trusting in God's plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_uncertain_times.htm">Faith in Uncertain Times</a></b><br>Like Paul and the sailors, we often face uncertain and dangerous situations. Our faith should anchor us, trusting that God will guide us through the storms of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a></b><br>Just as the sailors discerned their proximity to land, Christians are called to discern God's will and direction in their lives through prayer and Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_in_crisis.htm">Community in Crisis</a></b><br>The collective effort of the sailors and passengers highlights the importance of community support and cooperation during challenging times.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 27</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_paul's_safety_claims_defy_storm_deaths.htm">In Acts 27:22–26, do Paul’s assurances of safety contradict typical maritime fatalities in storms of that era? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_appear_to_12_or_11_disciples.htm">How many disciples did Jesus appear to after his resurrection: Twelve (1 Cor 15:5) or Eleven (Matt 27:3-5; Acts 1:9-26; Matt 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:9, 33)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jacob_bargain_with_god.htm">Why does Jacob appear to 'bargain' with God, seemingly contradicting other passages that discourage testing God (Genesis 28:20-22)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/acts_10_47-48__why_immediate_gentile_baptism.htm">Acts 10:47-48 - How does the immediate baptism of Gentiles align with other biblical passages emphasizing a longer process of conversion?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">Twenty fathoms.</span>--The Greek noun so rendered was defined as the length of the outstretched arms from hand to hand, including the chest. It was reckoned as equal to four cubits--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>to about six feet--and is therefore fairly represented by our "fathom." The soundings here given agree with those that have actually been taken among the breakers off Cape Koura.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> <span class="accented">- They sounded</span> for <span class="accented">sounded</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">found</span> for <span class="accented">found it</span>, A.V. (twice); <span class="accented">after a little space</span> for <span class="accented">when they had gone a little further</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">After a little space</span> (<span class="greek">βραχὺ</span> <span class="greek">διαστήσαντες</span>); literally, <span class="accented">having interposed a short interval</span> of time or space (comp. <a href="/luke/22-58.htm">Luke 22:58, 59</a>, <span class="greek">μετὰ βραχύ κ.τ.λ</span>., and then follows <span class="greek">διαστάσης ὡσὲι ὥρας μιᾶς</span> "after an interval of about an hour"). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/27-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">They took soundings</span><br /><span class="grk">βολίσαντες</span> <span class="translit">(bolisantes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1001.htm">Strong's 1001: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cast the line (for sounding), I sound. From bolis; to heave the lead.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] found that [the water]</span><br /><span class="grk">εὗρον</span> <span class="translit">(heuron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2147.htm">Strong's 2147: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[was] twenty</span><br /><span class="grk">εἴκοσι</span> <span class="translit">(eikosi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1501.htm">Strong's 1501: </a> </span><span class="str2">Twenty. Of uncertain affinity; a score.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fathoms [deep].</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀργυιὰς</span> <span class="translit">(orguias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3712.htm">Strong's 3712: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fathom, about five or six feet. From oregomai; a stretch of the arms, i.e. A fathom.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Going</span><br /><span class="grk">διαστήσαντες</span> <span class="translit">(diastēsantes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1339.htm">Strong's 1339: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put apart, separate, put some distance between. From dia and histemi; to stand apart, i.e. to remove, intervene.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a little farther,</span><br /><span class="grk">βραχὺ</span> <span class="translit">(brachy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1024.htm">Strong's 1024: </a> </span><span class="str2">Short, little, few. Of uncertain affinity; short.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they took another set of soundings</span><br /><span class="grk">βολίσαντες</span> <span class="translit">(bolisantes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1001.htm">Strong's 1001: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cast the line (for sounding), I sound. From bolis; to heave the lead.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that read</span><br /><span class="grk">εὗρον</span> <span class="translit">(heuron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2147.htm">Strong's 2147: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fifteen</span><br /><span class="grk">δεκαπέντε</span> <span class="translit">(dekapente)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1178.htm">Strong's 1178: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fifteen. From deka and pente; ten and five, i.e. Fifteen.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fathoms.</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀργυιὰς</span> <span class="translit">(orguias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3712.htm">Strong's 3712: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fathom, about five or six feet. From oregomai; a stretch of the arms, i.e. A fathom.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/27-28.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 27:28 They took soundings and found twenty fathoms (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/27-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 27:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 27:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/27-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 27:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 27:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>