Acts 21:3
What does Acts 21:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:3 means
Sailing past Cyprus, keeping it to the left, indicates their route along the island’s southern side toward Syria. They land at Tyre because the ship needs to unload. Luke weaves divine timing into ordinary commerce: the ship’s cargo creates a seven-day window for fellowship and prophecy. Paul is not merely a passenger; he is a servant on God’s clock. The detour that business imposes becomes a ministry appointment. The scene reminds us that God orders both winds and warehouse schedules to place His people where they must hear, encourage, and be prepared for what lies ahead in Jerusalem.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when we had come in view of Cyprus, going past it on our left, we went on to Syria, and came to land at Tyre: for there the goods which were in the ship had to be taken out.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having discovered Cyprus, and having left it on the left, we were sailing to Syria, and did land at Tyre, for there was the ship discharging the lading.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when we had discovered Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed into Syria, and came to Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and having sighted Cyprus, and left it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and made the land at Tyre, for there the ship was to discharge her cargo.
Context
This verse brings the travelers to Tyre, an important Phoenician port, and provides the practical reason for their stay: unloading cargo. The stop will extend for seven days, which sets the stage for meeting local disciples and receiving Spirit-given warnings (verse 4). The movement from sea to shore marks a shift from travel facts to communal interaction and prayer. Verse 4 emphasizes the prophetic counsel, verse 5 records their corporate prayer on the beach, and verse 6 describes the departure—showing how God uses even logistical necessities to knit believers together.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 11:21
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
- Isaiah 23:17
And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that Jehovah will visit Tyre, and she shall return to her hire, and shall play the harlot with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.
- 2 Samuel 8:6
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. And Jehovah gave victory to David whithersoever he went.
- Acts 18:18
And Paul, having tarried after this yet many days, took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila: having shorn his head in Cenchreæ; for he had a vow.
- Luke 10:13
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
- Acts 15:23
and they wrote thus by them, The apostles and the elders, brethren, unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting:
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