Lexical Summary ekbolé: Casting out, expulsion, jettison Original Word: ἐκβολή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lighten the ship, jettisonFrom ekballo; ejection, i.e. (specially) a throwing overboard of the cargo -- + lighten the ship. see GREEK ekballo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ekballó Definition a throwing out, i.e. spec. a throwing overboard (of the cargo) NASB Translation jettison the cargo (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1546: ἐκβολήἐκβολή, ἐκβολης, ἡ (ἐκβάλλω); a. a casting out. b. specifically, the throwing overboard of goods and lading whereby sailors lighten a ship in a storm to keep her from sinking (Aeschylus sept. 769; Aristotle, eth. Nic. 3, 1, 5 (p. 1110{a}, 9); Lucian, de merc. cond. 1): ποιεῖσθαι ἐκβολήν, Latinjacturam facere, to throw the cargo overboard, Acts 27:18; with τῶν σκευῶν added, the Sept. Jonah 1:5; τῶν φορτιων, Pollux 1, 99, p. 70, Hemsterh edition. Strong’s Greek 1546 refers to the decisive act of casting something overboard when danger threatens. Although it appears only once in the New Testament, its lone occurrence in Acts 27:18 provides a vivid picture of the lengths to which people will go in order to preserve life. The term thus becomes a window into both ancient maritime practice and enduring spiritual truths concerning abandonment of all that hinders obedient faith. Biblical Context of Acts 27:18 Luke narrates Paul’s voyage to Rome through a prolonged Mediterranean storm: “We were violently battered by the storm, so the next day they began to jettison the cargo” (Acts 27:18). The jettison occurs after the ship has already taken preventive measures (Acts 27:17) and before the crew throws the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands (Acts 27:19). The single word marks the moment when property yields to the higher value of human life. Paul, a prisoner yet God’s spokesman aboard, soon assures all hands that not a soul will be lost (Acts 27:22–25). Here the physical shedding of weight parallels a call to spiritual trust: survival will come, not from human assets, but from divine promise. Historical Backdrop: Maritime Practice of Jettison Ancient sailors routinely carried mixed cargoes—grain, merchandise, passengers—on vessels whose stability could be quickly compromised. A violent northeaster, common in that season (Acts 27:9), left crews two desperate options: undergirding the hull with cables and lightening the ship. Roman maritime law (Lex Rhodia) even regulated shared loss from jettison. Luke’s technical knowledge highlights the realism of the narrative and situates Paul’s experience within recognizable first-century seafaring procedures. Theological and Pastoral Insights 1. Priority of Life over Possessions: The crew’s willingness to sacrifice profit underscores the biblical ethic that life is sacred (Genesis 9:5–6) and possessions are secondary (Matthew 6:19–21). Related Scriptural Themes • Jonah 1:5—The mariners “threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them.” Christological Connections Paul’s peril resembles the tempest stilled by Christ (Mark 4:35-41). Both narratives affirm that seas obey God and that salvation comes through faith in His word. The discarded cargo foreshadows the surpassing worth of Christ, for whom all earthly gain is relinquished (Philippians 3:7-9). Moreover, Paul—though outwardly a prisoner—acts as the vessel of God’s saving revelation, prefiguring the crucified yet victorious Lord. Application for Ministry Today • Personal Discipleship: Evaluate what must be surrendered—habits, ambitions, resources—to maintain spiritual buoyancy. Suggested Homiletical Outline 1. Storm Reality—The Certainty of Trials (Acts 27:14-15) Summary The solitary New Testament use of Strong’s Greek 1546 in Acts 27:18 encapsulates a decisive act that saves lives by relinquishing valuables. Historically grounded, the episode serves as an enduring metaphor: when storms threaten, God calls His people to trust His word above material security, casting overboard anything that competes with absolute dependence on Him. |
    |