Acts 27 7

Acts 27:7 kjv

And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

Acts 27:7 nkjv

When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone.

Acts 27:7 niv

We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.

Acts 27:7 esv

We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone.

Acts 27:7 nlt

We had several days of slow sailing, and after great difficulty we finally neared Cnidus. But the wind was against us, so we sailed across to Crete and along the sheltered coast of the island, past the cape of Salmone.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 7 Meaning

The verse describes a specific action of sailing, highlighting the challenges and precautions taken due to the prevailing winds. It details the difficulty in sailing close to the wind, indicating adverse weather conditions.

Acts 27 7 Context

The context for Acts 27:7 is Paul's arduous journey to Rome as a prisoner. After leaving Fair Havens in Crete, they encountered significant difficulty sailing. This verse describes the challenging nautical conditions they faced, specifically the strong headwinds that prevented them from sailing along the coast of Crete. The entire chapter details the perils of their voyage, including a severe storm, the loss of the ship, and their eventual shipwreck on Malta. This segment of Acts highlights the unwavering faith and resilience of Paul and his companions amidst extreme adversity, emphasizing God's providential care even in the midst of life-threatening circumstances. The voyage itself was a direct consequence of Paul's appeal to Caesar after being accused by Jewish leaders, as per Roman law. The specific maritime challenges reflected the typical dangers faced by ancient sailors in the Mediterranean.

Acts 27 7 Word analysis

• When (ὅτε - hote): This conjunction marks the point in time when the described events occur, connecting the preceding actions with the subsequent sailing.

• we had sailed (πλευσάντων - pleusantōn): The genitive absolute indicates that after sailing a certain distance, the conditions changed or a new phase of the journey began. This past participle implies a completed action preceding the next clause.

• by degrees (κατὰ πόλεις - kata poleis): Literally "according to cities," this phrase in the context implies sailing from one coastal town or point to another, a common method for ancient mariners. However, in some interpretations and textual variations, the reading may lean towards "with difficulty" or "slowly," which fits the context of unfavorable winds better than simply listing port-to-port. The reading here suggests a measured, perhaps cautious, progress rather than a direct, open-sea route, especially given the difficult conditions.

• several days (ἡμέρας πλείονας - hēmeras pleionas): This phrase indicates an extended period, signifying that their progress was not quick, reinforcing the difficulty of sailing against the wind. "Pleionas" means "more" or "greater," referring to days, suggesting more days than initially planned or expected for the distance covered.

• with difficulty (ἀνυδ reducir un poco... a veces en ciertas traducciones al español por "con dificultad" o "a duras penas," pero etimológicamente se refiere a "con poca agua," o sea, un puerto con pocas facilidades, pero el contexto en Hechos 27:7 hace pensar en las adversas condiciones de navegación por el viento).: This adverb, translated as "with difficulty" or "with much effort," emphasizes the struggle against the prevailing wind (the wind being contrary or unfavorable). It highlights the challenging nature of their navigation, requiring considerable effort and skill to make any headway.

• against the wind (τοῦ ἀντιπλοίου - tou antiploiou): This specific term refers to sailing against the wind, or making headway in adverse conditions, likely tacking or sailing on a broad reach where the wind is not directly astern. The adjective antiplemōr from which it is derived signifies being windbound, unable to make progress due to head winds. It implies a direct opposition from the wind.

• words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "we had sailed... several days": This group emphasizes the extended and slow progress made over time, directly linked to the subsequent condition.
  • "with difficulty against the wind": This phrase collectively describes the challenging nautical circumstance: a direct confrontation with an opposing wind that significantly hindered their ability to travel efficiently. It encapsulates the adverse weather and the strenuous effort required to navigate through it.

Acts 27 7 Bonus section

The prevailing wind being unfavorable suggests they were being forced to sail closer to the wind than is efficient, possibly due to the limitations of their ship or the desire to hug the coast for safety and landmark navigation, even though this meant slower progress. The nautical term for this situation implies they were windbound, meaning the wind direction prevented them from reaching their intended destination directly and required them to take a more circuitous or difficult route. The text does not explicitly name the wind, but historical context suggests it was likely a northerly or northwesterly wind common in that season which would impede sailing east or south along Crete's coast. This situation highlights the seamanship involved and the faith required by ancient mariners to navigate such conditions. The delay and hardship experienced foreshadow the greater peril they would soon face.

Acts 27 7 Commentary

The verse underscores the reality of sailing in ancient times, where weather dictated journeys. The "contrary winds" (Acts 27:7) were not merely inconvenient but a serious threat, limiting speed and potentially forcing sailors off course or into perilous waters. Paul, despite being a prisoner, was part of a commercial voyage, subject to the master’s decisions and the natural forces. The phrase "with difficulty" speaks to the constant battle against the elements. This is a metaphor for spiritual life as well, where believers often face opposition and setbacks. Progress is not always smooth, and faithfulness involves persevering "with difficulty" in the face of contrary forces, relying on God for strength and guidance.