Acts 27 14

Acts 27:14 kjv

But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

Acts 27:14 nkjv

But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon.

Acts 27:14 niv

Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island.

Acts 27:14 esv

But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land.

Acts 27:14 nlt

But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a "northeaster") burst across the island and blew us out to sea.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 14 Meaning

This verse describes a sudden, violent storm that overtakes the ship carrying Paul and other prisoners to Rome, originating from a fierce northeasterly wind known as Euroclydon. It signifies an extreme weather event that endangered the entire voyage.

Acts 27 14 Context

Paul, on his way to Rome to face trial, is a prisoner aboard a ship bound for Italy. They have already experienced favorable winds and had reached Fair Havens on Crete. However, with autumn well underway and the dangerous sailing season beginning, further travel was becoming risky. This verse marks the turning point where a violent storm, initiated by a powerful wind, sets in, threatening the lives of everyone on board. This context highlights the peril Paul and the others are in, far from immediate aid and at the mercy of severe weather.

Acts 27 14 Word Analysis

• δὲ (de): A postpositive conjunctive particle, meaning "but," "and," "however." It introduces a contrast or a continuation of the narrative, here signaling a shift in weather.

• εὐθέως (eutheōs): Adverb meaning "immediately," "straightway," "at once." Emphasizes the suddenness of the storm's onset.

• ἀφέντης (aphentēs): Aorist active participle from ἀφίημι (aphiēmi), meaning "to let go," "release," "leave," or "abandon." Here it implies that the mild southerly wind from the previous verse had passed or was "let go," replaced by the new wind.

• ἄνεμος (anemos): Noun meaning "wind."

• τυφωνικὸς (tuphōnikos): Adjective from τυφῶν (tuphōn), meaning "whirlwind," "storm-wind," or "typhoon." This word graphically describes the violent, swirling nature of the wind, suggesting a powerful and destructive force.

• ὁ καλούμενος (ho kaloumenos): Present passive participle of καλέω (kaleō), meaning "to call." Literally "the one being called," signifying "called" or "named."

• Εὐροκλύδων (Euroklýdōn): Proper noun, a specific Greek name for a fierce northeasterly gale or tempest experienced in the Mediterranean, particularly in the Adriatic Sea. It is a compound word: εὐρος (euron), meaning "east wind," and κλύδων (klydōn), meaning "wave" or "surge." Thus, it conveys the idea of an "east-surge" wind.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "But soon a tempestuous head wind arose" (δὲ εὐθέως ἀφέντης ἄνεμος τυφωνικὸς): This phrase powerfully conveys the abrupt and severe change in weather. The conjunction "but" signals a direct opposition to the previous relative calm, "soon" stresses the immediate onset, and "tempestuous head wind" combined with "arose" depicts a powerful, opposing force that initiated the severe weather.
  • "called Euroclydon" (ὁ καλούμενος Εὐροκλύδων): This identifies the specific nature and origin of this destructive wind, linking it to a known hazardous weather phenomenon in the region. The name itself signifies its damaging power through "surge."

Acts 27 14 Bonus Section

The term "Euroclydon" is specific to this passage in the New Testament. Scholars suggest it's a hybrid word, combining the Greek for "east wind" (Eurus) with a word implying "a great wave" or "surge" (Klydon), or possibly referencing the mythological giant Typhoeus, known for his destructive storms. Its powerful nature and specific naming emphasize the extreme danger faced, setting the stage for the subsequent shipwreck and miraculous preservation recorded in the chapter. This particular storm was notorious in the Adriatic and could generate massive waves, making navigation incredibly hazardous. The naming also lends a specific, localized realism to Luke's account.

Acts 27 14 Commentary

The emergence of the "Euroclydon" is not merely a meteorological event; it represents a critical juncture in the voyage where the elements directly challenge the faith and endurance of those on board. The suddenness and ferocity of this wind, a named tempest, underscore the life-threatening circumstances. It is a tangible manifestation of the severe trials Paul, and indeed all believers, would face in spreading the Gospel. The divine sovereignty is subtly implied; even amidst human planning and imperial jurisdiction, God's control over nature is absolute and can shape the course of events, testing the mettle of His servants.