Acts 27 15

Acts 27:15 kjv

And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

Acts 27:15 nkjv

So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive.

Acts 27:15 niv

The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.

Acts 27:15 esv

And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.

Acts 27:15 nlt

The sailors couldn't turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 15 Meaning

This verse describes the ship's difficulty in making progress against a strong easterly wind, forcing them to drift southwest under the protection of the "Clauda" island. It highlights the harsh environmental conditions faced during sea travel and the sailors' desperate efforts to maintain control and seek refuge.

Acts 27 15 Context

Paul, a prisoner on his way to Rome, is on a ship bound for Italy. This chapter details their perilous voyage along the coast of Asia Minor during the dangerous winter season, against sailing advice. The previous verse mentions a violent northeastern wind striking the ship. This verse explains the immediate consequence of that storm, describing how it rendered their attempts to sail into the wind futile and forced them onto a different course. The surrounding verses emphasize the sailors' struggle against the elements, their attempts to secure the ship, and their fear of running aground on the Syrtis shoals off the coast of North Africa. The immediate focus is on the physical struggle of sailing and survival.

Acts 27 15 Word Analysis

• And (και - kai): A common conjunction linking phrases and clauses, indicating sequence or addition.

• when (ὅτε - hote): Temporal conjunction, marking the time when the subsequent action occurred.

• we had sailed (παρεπορευομεθα - pareporemetha): Imperfect middle indicative of παραπορευομαι (pareporeuomai), meaning to go along beside, pass by, sail along. This suggests continuous or repeated action of passing by something, in this case, the coastline or potentially through a difficult area.

• by (υπο - hupo): A preposition indicating origin, cause, or by whom/what an action is done, or under what condition. Here, it signifies being borne along or influenced by something.

• that (επι - epi): A versatile preposition indicating "on," "upon," "over," or in relation to.

• force (αναγκαζοντος - anankazontos): Genitive masculine singular participle of αναγκαζω (anankazō), meaning to compel, to force, to necessitate. This highlights an unavoidable necessity imposed by the circumstances.

• us (ημων - hēmōn): Pronoun, meaning "of us" or "us" as a pronoun in the genitive case.

• to sail (πλειν - pleiin): Infinitive of πλεω (pleō), to sail, to navigate.

• close by (παρα - para): A preposition meaning "beside," "alongside," "near."

• Crete (Κρητην - Krētēn): The accusative case of Κρητη (Krētē), Crete, a large island in the Mediterranean.

• The isle (την - tēn): The definite article "the."

• Having guarded (εφορμωμενης - epharmomenēs): Genitive feminine singular participle of εφορμαω (epharmomai), meaning to push forward against, to set sail towards, to make for, to lean upon. In this context, it refers to the island providing shelter or lee from the wind. The implication is that they sailed under the lee or protection of the island.

• Words group: "by that force us to sail" (αναγκάζοντος ἡμᾶς πλεῖν - anankazontos hēmas pleiin): This phrase emphasizes that the wind was so strong that it was no longer a choice but a necessity imposed upon them to try to sail, and the way they had to sail was dictated by the wind's direction, which was away from their intended course.

• Words group: "close by Crete, The isle having guarded" (παρα Κρήτην, τὴν νῆσον ἔχων προsedragon - para Krētēn, tēn nēson echōn prosedragon - note: 'prosedragon' is a misinterpretation/typo in some texts; the correct understanding relates to sheltering): This phrase indicates that they sought refuge by sailing along the side of Crete, finding cover or a leeward side from the tempest. The structure suggests they maneuvered the ship to gain protection from the island itself.

Acts 27 15 Bonus Section

The account in Acts 27 is remarkably detailed from a nautical perspective, reflecting a competent understanding of seafaring. The use of specific terminology related to winds and sailing, like the "Northeast" wind (Euroclydon), lends authenticity to the narrative. The decision to steer south of Clauda suggests a strategic effort to minimize the wind's impact. Clauda's geographical position relative to Crete allowed the ship to find a "lee shore," a side of the island that offers protection from the prevailing wind and waves. This detailed description underscores the precariousness of their situation and the skill, however challenged, of the sailors aboard. The journey illustrates themes of human vulnerability, resilience, and the dependence on providence during times of extreme hardship, echoing biblical narratives of journeys through trials.

Acts 27 15 Commentary

The prevailing strong wind prevented the ship from continuing its intended westward journey towards Italy. Instead of fighting a losing battle with the gale, the experienced mariners redirected their efforts. They altered their course to sail southwestward, using the island of Clauda as a partial shield against the fierce wind. This maneuver was likely a temporary measure to survive the storm's fury, demonstrating practical seamanship in adverse conditions. It highlights the limitations of human efforts when confronted by nature's power and the necessity of adapting to survive.