Acts 27 13

Acts 27:13 kjv

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

Acts 27:13 nkjv

When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.

Acts 27:13 niv

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.

Acts 27:13 esv

Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore.

Acts 27:13 nlt

When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 13 Meaning

Acts 27:13 describes a critical moment in Paul's sea voyage to Rome where the ship's crew and centurion, ignoring Paul's prior warning, seized a brief period of a gentle south wind as an opportune moment. They falsely believed they had secured their objective to reach a more suitable winter harbor, leading them to set sail along the coast of Crete, close to shore, unaware of the impending catastrophic storm. The verse highlights human presumption and the deceptive nature of temporary favorable circumstances that override wise counsel.

Acts 27 13 Context

Acts chapter 27 describes Paul's perilous sea journey as a prisoner from Caesarea to Rome, appealing to Caesar. Prior to verse 13, the journey had already encountered significant delays and rough sailing (verses 4, 7-8). They had reached Fair Havens (Καλὴ Λιμένες, Kalē Limenes), a harbor on Crete, which was deemed unsuitable for wintering. Paul, by divine foresight, warned the centurion and crew against continuing the voyage, predicting great loss and injury (verse 10). However, the centurion chose to heed the ship's captain and owner, who advised proceeding to Phoenix (Φοῖνιξ, Phoinix), another harbor on Crete, believing it to be a more suitable wintering place (verse 11-12). Verse 13 marks the moment of action based on this human decision, a perceived turn for the better after difficult circumstances, before the true danger would unleash.

Acts 27 13 Word analysis

• When the south wind (Νότου, Notou): This refers to a wind from the south, often associated with milder, fairer weather in the Mediterranean. It contrasts sharply with the "northeaster" (Euraquilo) storm that later hits them. Its appearance created a false sense of security.
• blew gently (ὑποπνεύσαντος, hypopneusantos): The Greek compound verb indicates a "blowing gently" or "beginning to blow softly." This was not a strong gale, but a subtle, encouraging breeze, suggesting a calm and propitious condition. Its very gentleness added to the deception, lulling them into believing the harsh weather had passed.
• supposing (ὑπονοήσαντες, hyponoesantes): This participle denotes human conjecture, assumption, or a strong suspicion. It highlights that their decision was based on their own flawed judgment and interpretation of events, rather than sound wisdom or divine guidance. It carries the nuance of underestimating potential danger due to a superficial assessment.
• that they had obtained their purpose (τῆς προθέσεως κεκρατηκέναι, tēs protheseōs kekratēkenai):
  • purpose (προθέσεως, protheseōs): Refers to their intention, plan, or objective – to reach a more comfortable winter harbor (Phoenix).
  • obtained (κεκρατηκέναι, kekratēkenai): A perfect infinitive of κράτος (kratos), meaning to "gain mastery over," "seize control of," or "prevail." It conveys a strong sense of confidence and accomplishment, that they had fully succeeded in their goal. This was hubris, a false victory.
• they weighed anchor (ἆραντες, arantes): Literally, "having lifted up." This is a standard nautical term for preparing the ship to set sail, removing the anchor from the seabed. It marks the commencement of their ill-fated journey.
• and sailed along Crete (παρελέγοντο τὴν Κρήτην, parelegonto tēn Krētēn): They navigated alongside the island of Crete, staying within sight of land. This implies an attempt to use coastal navigation, which was often considered safer or easier for charting their course, rather than venturing far into the open sea. Crete's position was strategically important for ancient seafaring.
• close inshore (ἆσσον, asson): This adverb means "nearer" or "closer." They kept the ship relatively close to the shoreline, a customary practice for safety and ease of navigation in those times. Ironically, staying close to the rocky coast could become more dangerous if a severe storm were to push them onto it.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "When the south wind blew gently": This phrase introduces the deceptive, temporary good fortune that triggered their decision. It highlights the fleeting and unreliable nature of favorable appearances in human affairs. The gentleness implies a persuasive calm.
• "supposing that they had obtained their purpose": This central phrase reveals the core of their error – a subjective, overconfident assessment of the situation, directly contradicting Paul's Spirit-inspired warning. It exemplifies human self-reliance and the danger of assuming mastery over circumstances that are ultimately beyond one's control.
• "they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close inshore": These actions are the consequence of their flawed judgment. The departure signifies commitment to their presumptuous plan. Sailing "close inshore" initially seems prudent but, in light of the subsequent storm, underscores their eventual entrapment and the irony of seeking safety where peril awaits.

Acts 27 13 Bonus section

The irony of the situation is profound: the port they just departed, Fair Havens (Καλὴ Λιμένες, Kalē Limenes), translates to "Good Harbors," yet it was deemed "not suitable for wintering" (v. 8). Their decision to move was driven by a desire for a "better" harbor, Phoenix, which they would never reach. The very "gentle south wind" that encouraged their departure led them directly into the jaws of a "tempestuous wind, called Euraquilo" (v. 14), rendering their earlier perceived progress completely illusory. This narrative reinforces a principle often seen in spiritual journeys: what appears as a moment of advancement can sometimes be a subtle snare, drawing one away from a secure (albeit inconvenient) position into unforeseen perils.

Acts 27 13 Commentary

Acts 27:13 serves as a poignant illustration of human fallibility when confronted with transient fortune. Following days of challenging sailing, the subtle change of a "gentle south wind" appeared as a sign of divine favor or a welcome turn in the weather. This brief, lulling calm immediately convinced the ship's crew and centurion, already inclined to disregard Paul's prophetic warning (v. 10-12), that their long-held "purpose" of reaching a safe wintering port was now achievable. Their "supposing" wasn't based on solid maritime wisdom, given Paul's direct warning, but on an over-optimistic interpretation of superficial conditions. This moment of false assurance propelled them into immediate action, causing them to weigh anchor and proceed along Crete's coastline, inadvertently sailing them deeper into the very storm (the Euraquilo) that Paul had predicted. The verse, therefore, underlines the peril of choosing apparent convenience and human consensus over divine foresight, showcasing how fleeting favorable conditions can blind individuals to imminent danger, ultimately leading to significant trial and loss. It stands as a profound biblical caution against human hubris and a lack of discernment.