Acts 27:29

“Then fearing lest they should have fallen upon rocks, etc.] Or rough places, as shelves, rocks, or sands, as they might well fear, when the water shallowed so fast, from 20 to 15 fathoms: they cast four anchors out of the stern; or hinder part of the ship; the Ethiopic version calls it, “the head of the ship”: and adds, “where the governor sat”; that is, at the helm, to steer it. Perhaps the reason of this version is, because it is not usual in modern navigation, and so, when this version was made, to cast out anchors from the stern, but from the prow or head of the ship; but it seems this was done by the ancients. According to Pliny, the Tyrrhenians first invented the anchor; though…”

“they cast four anchors out of the stern--The ordinary way was to cast the anchor, as now, from the bow: but ancient ships, built with both ends alike, were fitted with hawseholes in the stern, so that in case of need they could anchor either way. And when the fear was, as here, that they might fall on the rocks to leeward, and the intention was to run the ship ashore as soon as daylight enabled them to fix upon a safe spot, the very best thing they could do was to anchor by the stern [SMITH]. In stormy weather two anchors were used, and we have instances of four being employed, as here. and wished--"anxiously" or "devoutly wished." for day--the remark this of one present, and with all his…”

“They cast four anchors - On account of the violence of the storm and waves, to make, if possible, the ship secure. And wished for the day - To discern more accurately their situation and danger. return to 'Top of Page'”

“fallen: Act 27:17, Act 27:41 anchors: Act 27:30, Act 27:40; Heb 6:19 and wished: Deu 28:67; Psa 130:6 Acts 27:30”