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 details a difficult and prolonged segment of Paul's voyage towards Rome. For many days, the ship and its crew struggled to make headway against strong, opposing winds. Unable to reach their planned destination of Cnidus due to these unfavorable conditions, the mariners were forced to alter their course. They sought the protective "shelter" or lee side of the large island of Crete, specifically navigating past its eastern promontory, Salmone. This passage illustrates the perilous nature of ancient sea travel and hints at the overarching divine guidance even amidst challenging circumstances.

Acts 27 7 Context

Acts chapter 27 describes Paul's sea voyage as a prisoner to Rome, where he is to appeal to Caesar. The journey, under Roman military escort, begins relatively uneventfully. However, by the time of this verse, the conditions have turned perilous. This section takes place after they have sailed from Myra and were attempting to cross the open sea to reach Italy. Ancient sea travel, especially in the late autumn months (as referenced in Acts 27:9, when sailing became dangerous), was highly dependent on favorable winds. The inability to make Cnidus signifies the end of relatively safe, predictable sailing routes and marks the onset of a forced detour that eventually leads to shipwreck. The decision to sail under the shelter of Crete is a pragmatic, survival-oriented move by experienced mariners reacting to extreme meteorological conditions, yet it also steers the ship onto the divinely appointed course for the unfolding narrative. This part of the journey is not just a geographical account but an illustration of human vulnerability, the challenges of mission, and the overarching hand of God.

Acts 27 7 Word analysis

• And when we had sailed slowly:
  • And when we had sailed slowly (μόλις βραδυπλοοῦντες): The Greek term μόλις (mólis) signifies "with difficulty," "scarcely," or "barely." Combined with βραδυπλοοῦντες (bradyplooúntes, "sailing slowly"), it paints a vivid picture of extreme effort for minimal progress. It indicates not just reduced speed, but an arduous, frustrating struggle against formidable resistance, requiring immense energy and skill from the sailors. This reflects a state of endurance and perseverance.
• for many days:
  • Significance: This phrase emphasizes the prolonged nature of the struggle. It suggests not a brief squall but a sustained period of adversity, leading to weariness and potentially dwindling resources and morale. This temporal extension of difficulty often highlights the testing of faith and endurance in the biblical narrative.
• and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus:
  • difficulty arriving (δυσκολοῦντες παραλέγεσθαι): The verb δυσκολοῦντες (dyskolountes) reinforces the concept of being in "difficulty" or "struggle," akin to molis. Παραλέγεσθαι (paralegesthai) means "to sail past" or "to make for" a specific point. Here, it implies an unsuccessful attempt to round or pass by Cnidus, their intended stopping point or a strategic landmark for their route.
  • Cnidus (Κνίδον): An important city and port located on the southwest coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). It was a common and logical stopover for ships sailing westward from Myra, before attempting the long stretch to Italy. The inability to reach it marks a significant failure in their initial navigational plans.
• the wind not permitting us:
  • the wind (τοῦ ἀνέμου): This refers to the prevailing northerly or northwesterly winds common in the Aegean Sea during the autumn (the "meltemi" or later identified "Euraquilo" in v. 14). Such winds would be directly against a westward-bound vessel.
  • not permitting (μὴ προσεῶντος): The negative particle μὴ (mē) with the present participle of προσέω (proseō, "to permit," "to allow") powerfully conveys that the wind was actively preventing them from following their chosen course. The wind is portrayed as an agency with control over their movements, an illustration of natural forces directly impacting human plans and endeavors.
• we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone:
  • we sailed under the shelter (ὑπεδράμομεν): Ὑπεδράμομεν (hypedrámoµen) comes from ὑποτρέχω (hypotrechō), meaning "to run under," "to sail under the lee of." This is a crucial nautical maneuver, signifying that they changed course to get on the side of the island (Crete) that was protected from the force of the strong northerly winds. This was a forced but intelligent decision by experienced mariners to find calmer waters and make progress.
  • Crete (Κρήτην): The largest Greek island, located strategically in the eastern Mediterranean. Its long, east-west orientation provided a natural barrier against northerly winds, offering shelter on its southern side.
  • off Salmone (κατὰ Σαλμώνην): Σαλμώνην (Salmōnēn) is Cape Salmone, the easternmost promontory of Crete. Sailing "off Salmone" means they entered the lee of Crete at its eastern end, having been driven west by the winds until they could finally tuck in. This indicates the precise point of their deviation and entry into safer waters.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "And when we had sailed slowly for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus": This passage illustrates the overwhelming struggle against natural forces. It combines temporal duration ("many days") with a high degree of difficulty, signaling a severe test of human resilience and seamanship. It sets the scene for a journey where human plans are repeatedly challenged.
  • "the wind not permitting us": This short clause provides the explicit reason for their thwarted journey and serves as the driving force behind the events of the chapter. The personification of the wind as "not permitting" underscores its active role in redirecting the ship. It is an acknowledgment of external powers that can override human intentions and planning.
  • "we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone": This marks the ship's forced but strategically wise tactical response to the impassable conditions. Seeking the "shelter" of Crete was a necessary deviation that positioned them for subsequent events, leading them directly into the path where divine intervention and Paul's role would become even more pronounced. It shows adaptation to circumstances while unknowingly progressing God's larger plan.

Acts 27 7 Bonus section

• The type of wind described (likely Etesian winds in autumn) would be strong and consistently from the north or northwest. Ancient sailing vessels, predominantly square-rigged, were not designed to sail efficiently directly into such headwinds. They would "make leeway" or be pushed off course.
• The maneuver of "sailing under the lee of" an island was standard practice for mariners seeking calmer waters and some measure of progress when battling headwind conditions. Crete's mountainous spine provided an effective wind shadow on its southern side.
• The detour to Crete was a critical geographical change that would dictate the subsequent events of the voyage, including their eventual overwintering in Fair Havens and the subsequent shipwreck near Malta. This seemingly unwelcome forced change of route was an integral part of Paul's journey as ordained by God for his mission.
• Luke, the author, being present, notes the minute navigational details, underscoring the realism and historical accuracy of the account, akin to an eyewitness log. His knowledge of sailing terminology also indicates an astute observer.

Acts 27 7 Commentary

Acts 27:7 vividly portrays the extreme challenges of ancient maritime travel, highlighting the crew's struggle against unyielding headwinds. This was not a matter of minor inconvenience but a formidable impediment that made their intended westward path to Cnidus impossible. The phrase "sailed slowly for many days and had difficulty" evokes a picture of protracted, exhausting labor, where human skill and perseverance were severely tested. The wind's "not permitting us" explicitly demonstrates that their course was dictated by external, uncontrollable forces. Consequently, the pragmatic decision to sail "under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone" became necessary for survival and any continued progress. This tactical rerouting, while born of human necessity and navigational expertise, is simultaneously woven into the fabric of divine providence, directing Paul and the ship's company to a specific geographical trajectory that was crucial for the unfolding drama and his ultimate journey to Rome. It underscores that even in adversity and unexpected detours, God's sovereign plan remains in effect.