Acts 27:12
What does Acts 27:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 27:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 27:12 means
Because Fair Havens was “not commodious to winter in,” most advised attempting to reach Phoenix, a harbor on Crete oriented to give better shelter from prevailing winds. This is practical seamanship: find a more comfortable and safe wintering spot. Yet the majority’s advice, though reasonable, neglects the cumulative signals—late season, difficult sailing, and Paul’s caution. The verse shows how sensible goals can mask risky timing. The desire for marginally better conditions leads them to expose the ship to catastrophic weather. Majority opinion does not guarantee wisdom; the storm will expose the hidden cost of their decision.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to put to sea from thence, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there; which is a haven of Crete, looking north-east and south-east.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to put to sea from thence, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there; which is a haven of Crete, looking north-east and south-east.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And as the harbour was not a good one in which to be for the winter, the greater number of them were for going out to sea, in order, if possible, to put in for the winter at Phoenix, a harbour of Crete, looking to the north-east and south-east.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the haven being incommodious to winter in, the more part gave counsel to sail thence also, if by any means they might be able, having attained to Phenice, <FI>there<Fi> to winter, <FI>which is<Fi> a haven of Crete, looking to the south-west and north-west,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And whereas it was not a commodious haven to winter in, the greatest part gave counsel to sail thence, if by any means they might reach Phenice, to winter there, which is a haven of Crete, looking towards the southwest and northwest.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the harbour being ill adapted to winter in, the most counselled to set sail thence, if perhaps they might reach Phoenice to winter in, a port of Crete looking north-east and south-east.
Context
Following the centurion’s deference to the ship’s experts, the consensus forms to sail a short distance to Phoenix. The reasoning seems moderate and achievable. The next verse describes a gentle south wind that appears to confirm their plan, prompting them to set sail along Crete. This apparent confirmation will soon be shattered by a violent wind, revealing how deceptive favorable beginnings can be and setting the stage for the ordeal that dominates the chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 27:8
and with difficulty coasting along it we came unto a certain place called Fair Havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
- Psalms 107:30
Then are they glad because they are quiet; So he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
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