Acts 27 4

Acts 27:4 kjv

And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

Acts 27:4 nkjv

When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

Acts 27:4 niv

From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.

Acts 27:4 esv

And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us.

Acts 27:4 nlt

Putting out to sea from there, we encountered strong headwinds that made it difficult to keep the ship on course, so we sailed north of Cyprus between the island and the mainland.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 4 Meaning

Acts 27:4 describes a pivotal moment early in Paul's journey to Rome. After departing Sidon, the ship's crew made a deliberate navigational decision to sail "under the lee" of Cyprus. This means they intentionally hugged the coast of Cyprus to use the island as a natural shield from the direct force of strong headwinds. The verse concisely states the compelling reason for this detour: "because the winds were against us," indicating challenging and unfavorable weather conditions that necessitated an altered course for the ship to progress safely and efficiently. It illustrates human skill and adaptation in the face of natural opposition on a journey with divine purpose.

Acts 27 4 Context

Acts chapter 27 details Paul's perilous sea voyage as a prisoner being transported to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. The narrative serves not only as a historical account but also as a powerful testimony to God's providence amidst human plans and natural dangers. The voyage begins with relative ease from Caesarea to Sidon (v. 3), where Paul receives unexpected kindness. However, verse 4 immediately shifts the tone, introducing the first significant challenge: unfavorable winds. This verse sets the stage for a long and difficult journey, full of strategic decisions, unforeseen dangers, and ultimately, divine intervention, culminating in a shipwreck and Paul's eventual arrival in Malta, before reaching Rome. The broader historical context is Roman control of the Mediterranean, the common practice of sea travel for trade and official business, and the significant risks involved due to limited navigation technology and unpredictable weather.

Acts 27 4 Word analysis

• And: Greek: Kai (καὶ). A simple conjunction indicating continuation from the previous verse, linking this new development in the journey to their departure from Sidon.
• putting to sea: Greek: anachthentes (ἀναχθέντες). From anago, meaning "to lead up," but in maritime context, "to put out to sea," "to set sail," or "to launch." It signifies the commencement of the next leg of their voyage.
• from there: Greek: ekeithen (ἐκεῖθεν). Refers specifically to Sidon, where they had briefly anchored (Acts 27:3). It indicates the starting point of this challenging segment.
• we sailed: Greek: hypopleusamen (ὑπεπλεύσαμεν). The first person plural "we" (including Luke, the author) emphasizes the eyewitness account and the shared experience of the journey. The verb hypopleo (from hypo, "under," and pleō, "to sail") specifically means "to sail under the lee" or "to sail for shelter" along a coast. This is a crucial technical maritime term.
• under the lee: Implied by hypopleusamen. It denotes seeking protection from the wind by staying on the side of an island or landmass that is sheltered from the prevailing wind. It’s a strategic and practical maneuver.
• of Cyprus: Greek: Kupron (Κύπρον). Cyprus, a large island in the eastern Mediterranean. Its strategic location meant it was a frequent landmark for ships traversing the sea between Syria/Palestine and points west. By sailing under its lee, they used its physical mass as a shield.
• because: Greek: dia to (διὰ τὸ). A prepositional phrase introducing the reason or cause for their action. It explicitly states the motive.
• the winds: Greek: tous anemous (τοὺς ἀνέμους). Plural, indicating not just one adverse wind, but perhaps consistently strong or shifting headwinds making direct travel difficult. Winds were the primary motive power for ancient ships.
• were against us: Greek: einai enantiuous (εἶναι ἐναντίους). "To be opposite" or "contrary." It confirms they faced headwinds, forcing a change in route. This phrase clearly articulates the obstacle and the need for the detour.

Words-group analysis:

• And putting to sea from there: This phrase seamlessly transitions from their brief stop in Sidon, indicating a continuation of their travel but also marking a fresh start to this new, more difficult, leg of the journey. The "there" geographically grounds the beginning of the adverse conditions.
• we sailed under the lee of Cyprus: This grouping highlights the tactical wisdom employed by the mariners. The "we" connects the narrative directly to Luke's presence. Sailing "under the lee" is a sophisticated nautical decision, reflecting human agency and skill in navigating challenging environmental conditions, prioritizing safety and efficiency over a direct course. It suggests a strategic use of the geographical landscape to overcome a natural obstacle.
• because the winds were against us: This provides the clear justification for their change in course. The opposition of the "winds" (a significant natural force in the ancient world, often seen as beyond human control, yet here being ingeniously circumvented) underlines the challenges faced and sets the scene for a journey reliant on both human expertise and divine providence.

Acts 27 4 Bonus section

The inclusion of "we" (Acts 27:1, 27:7, etc.) is a hallmark of the "we sections" in Acts, where Luke, the author, was a direct participant in the events he describes. This adds significant historical credibility and immediacy to the narrative, presenting an eyewitness account of the trials faced during Paul's voyage. Cyprus, in early Christian history, was the first place where Paul (alongside Barnabas) took the gospel during his first missionary journey (Acts 13:4-12), converting the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus. It also was the homeland of Barnabas (Acts 4:36). Its reappearance in this chapter is a geographical point of reference for an arduous journey, now seen not as a place of initial triumph, but a practical landmark to circumvent a threat. This incident, while demonstrating human maritime skill, also subtly reflects God's superintendence; the natural forces were formidable, yet a viable path was discernable, allowing the journey, ultimately serving God's purpose for Paul in Rome, to continue.

Acts 27 4 Commentary

This verse marks the initiation of serious maritime challenges for Paul's voyage to Rome. The deliberate choice to sail "under the lee of Cyprus" showcases the practical seafaring knowledge of the ancient world. Unable to make headway against strong "contrary winds" (headwinds), the crew skillfully opted for a more indirect route, using the massive landmass of Cyprus as a shield. This wasn't a matter of simply enduring; it was a strategic adjustment demonstrating prudent seamanship to maintain progress. This seemingly small detail underscores the reality and difficulties of the journey, where human wisdom and experience were essential in the face of nature's unpredictability, even as the broader narrative highlights God's ultimate oversight. It reflects how God's plans often unfold through and within the challenges of our practical existence. For instance, in our own lives, when direct paths are blocked (e.g., job loss, unexpected illness), God might lead us to a "sheltered" or alternative route (e.g., career change, new ministry focus) that, while not immediately obvious, is necessary for progress. Just as the mariners didn't give up but adapted, believers are called to wisely navigate obstacles, trusting in divine guidance even through detours.