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Acts 27:40
ESV So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach.
NIV Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach.
NASB And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders; and they hoisted the foresail to the wind and were heading for the beach.
CSB After cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and headed for the beach.
NLT So they cut off the anchors and left them in the sea. Then they lowered the rudders, raised the foresail, and headed toward shore.
KJV And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

What does Acts 27:40 mean?

Paul and Aristarchus are prisoners on a ship from Alexandria on their way to Rome; Luke is with them (Acts 27:1). Their trip has been detoured by a fierce winter storm that hid the sun and stars for two weeks (Acts 27:20, 27). Finally, they have reached an island, but no one knows where they are. During the night, the crew dropped anchor, fore and aft, so the ship points toward the island and won't spin with the tides. They've apparently also tied down the rudder to keep the ship pointed inland.

The crew dropped the sails shortly after they entered the storm. They also jettisoned the cargo, the wheat, and the ship's tackle (Acts 27:17–19, 38). Now they cut away the anchors, trying to get the deep-drafted ship as high above the water—and hidden reefs—as they can. They also free the rudder so they can steer into the bay, and raise the foresail, hoping the wind will gently drive them onto the beach.

It's enough to get them within swimming distance of the beach. The bow hits a reef. The waves batter the stern and tear it apart. But Paul's worries aren't over, yet. The soldiers are inclined to kill the prisoners, so they won't escape. Fortunately, the centurion stops them (Acts 27:41–43).

As God promised Paul, everyone makes it to shore, worse for wear, but alive (Acts 27:22–25).
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