Acts 27 16

Acts 27:16 kjv

And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

Acts 27:16 nkjv

And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty.

Acts 27:16 niv

As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure,

Acts 27:16 esv

Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat.

Acts 27:16 nlt

We sailed along the sheltered side of a small island named Cauda, where with great difficulty we hoisted aboard the lifeboat being towed behind us.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 16 Meaning

This verse describes a momentary and precarious maneuver during Paul's harrowing sea journey to Rome. After being caught in the violent storm called Euroclydon, the ship sought brief shelter behind the small island of Cauda (or Clauda). Even in this temporary reprieve, the crew faced extreme difficulty in securing their small dinghy or ship's boat, which was typically towed behind the main vessel. This act was critical for the survival of the main ship, as an unmanaged trailing boat could become a liability or be lost, along with its potential for use in emergencies.

Acts 27 16 Context

Acts 27:16 is a vital detail in Luke's narrative of Paul's voyage to Rome. The ship, an Alexandrian grain vessel, has left Fair Havens on Crete against Paul's advice, seeking a better winter harbor. Immediately, a powerful northeasterly tempest, the Euroclydon (v. 14), sweeps down upon them. Verse 16 highlights the desperate and difficult efforts the seasoned sailors undertake to manage the vessel amidst the storm's fury. This particular action—securing the trailing ship's boat—is a critical piece of seamanship demonstrating the extreme peril and the crew's resourcefulness, setting the stage for further harrowing decisions like strengthening the hull and jettisoning cargo in the subsequent verses (v. 17-19). Historically, sea travel in the Mediterranean during the Roman era, especially outside the typical navigation season, was exceptionally dangerous. Shipwrecks were common, and skilled seamanship, coupled with some luck and divine intervention (as the chapter unfolds), was often the only hope for survival.

Acts 27 16 Word analysis

• But: (Greek: De, δέ) – A common conjunction introducing a slight shift or contrast, indicating a new action following the onset of the storm described in previous verses.
• when we had run under the lee: (Greek: hupodramontes, ὑποδραμόντες) – A participle meaning "having run under," indicating swift movement or a course directed for shelter. "Under the lee" signifies seeking the protected side of an object, shielded from the direct force of the wind and waves. This implies a temporary and limited respite from the main storm.
• of a small island: (Greek: tis nēsion, τὶ νησίον) – Nēsion is the diminutive form of nēsos (island), emphasizing its small size. This smallness underscores the precariousness of their shelter, as it offers limited protection.
• called Cauda: (Greek: kaloumenon Kauda, καλούμενον Καῦδα) – Identifies the specific island, known today as Gavdos. It is located southwest of Crete and historically significant as a temporary shelter in these waters. Its inclusion adds geographical realism to Luke's account.
• we had much difficulty: (Greek: molis ischusamen, μόλις ἰσχύσαμεν) – Molis means "scarcely, with difficulty," and ischusamen means "we were strong/able." This strong double-emphasis signifies extreme, strenuous effort and barely succeeding, highlighting the ferocity of the weather even in sheltered conditions. It conveys a struggle at the edge of their capacity.
• getting the ship's boat: (Greek: perikrateis genesthai tēs skaphēs, περικρατεῖς γενέσθαι τῆς σκάφης) –
  • ship's boat (skaphēs): (Greek: skaphē, σκάφη) – Refers to a small skiff or dinghy towed behind the main ship, essential for landing, shuttling, and potential escape. It was a crucial piece of equipment.
  • under control (perikrateis genesthai): Literally, "to become masters of" or "to get full control over." This phrase reveals the urgency; if the dinghy filled with water or was swamped, it could pull the main ship back, smash against it, or be lost. Securing it was a fundamental act of preserving an essential survival tool and preventing a liability.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "But when we had run under the lee of a small island called Cauda": This phrase details a brief, tactical maneuver taken by experienced sailors to temporarily mitigate the direct impact of the storm. The choice of "run under the lee" (hupodramontes) illustrates swift, decisive action towards partial shelter. The diminutive "small island" (nēsion) emphasizes that this was not a safe harbor but a minimal, risky respite.
• "we had much difficulty getting the ship's boat under control": This highlights the continued struggle even in relative shelter. "Much difficulty" (molis ischusamen) conveys a desperate and exhaustive effort. The crew needed to "get... under control" (perikrateis genesthai) the "ship's boat" (skaphēs), indicating its perilous state—perhaps filling with water, banging against the hull, or threatening to capsize. This detail underscores their proactive problem-solving to preserve vital resources (the lifeboat) for potential future survival. It showcases skilled seamanship under immense pressure.

Acts 27 16 Bonus section

• Nautical Significance of the Skiff: Ancient ships like Paul's Alexandrian grain carrier often towed a smaller boat. In a storm, this small boat could easily fill with water, acting like a drag anchor or battering ram, endangering the main vessel. It needed to be brought on board or secured tightly to prevent damage or loss, as it was their only means of escape if the main ship was wrecked, as it eventually would be (Acts 27:44).
• Cauda's Strategic Position: Cauda (Gavdos) is a real island. Its position southwest of Crete provided just enough of a leeward side (the side sheltered from the wind) for a brief, critical window for the crew to attempt this task. This geological feature, momentarily offering shelter, is an instance of God's common grace amidst tribulation, allowing human effort to proceed for preservation of life.
• Luke's Detail-Oriented Narrative: Luke, often considered a meticulous historian, provides this granular detail, showcasing an understanding of sailing and the dangers involved. His inclusion of such specifics adds verisimilitude to his account, demonstrating the veracity and firsthand nature of the experiences described.

Acts 27 16 Commentary

Acts 27:16 is a small but incredibly significant detail that paints a vivid picture of the crew's desperate fight for survival. Having been swallowed by the relentless Euroclydon, their brief refuge behind Cauda was a fleeting grace. Even there, the struggle to manage the ship's boat reveals the unyielding power of the storm. This dinghy, an emergency lifeline, if allowed to fill with water or be damaged, could become a detriment to the larger vessel or be rendered useless, hence the herculean effort to secure it. This verse foreshadows the sustained hardship ahead, demonstrating the diligence, foresight, and practical expertise required for maritime survival in the ancient world, all occurring under the watchful, yet not immediately interventional, providence of God, as the ship's fate eventually hinges on divine assurances given to Paul.