Acts 27:13
What does Acts 27:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 27:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 27:13 means
A soft south wind arises, seeming to validate their plan. They weigh anchor and sail close along Crete’s shore. This illustrates how circumstances can appear providential while actually luring one into danger. The calm before the storm invites overconfidence. The crew interprets the weather as permission, not as a fleeting mercy. The verse captures human tendency to read short-term ease as long-term approval. Soon, nature will teach that initial success does not guarantee safety. The decision, once set in motion, will prove hard to reverse when a stronger, contrary wind descends suddenly upon them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close in shore.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close in shore.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when the south wind came softly, being of the opinion that their purpose might be effected, they let the ship go and went sailing down the side of Crete, very near to the land.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and a south wind blowing softly, having thought they had obtained <FI>their<Fi> purpose, having lifted anchor, they sailed close by Crete,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the south wind gently blowing, thinking that they had obtained their purpose, when they had loosed from Asson, they sailed close by Crete.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And [the] south wind blowing gently, supposing that they had gained their object, having weighed anchor they sailed close in shore along Crete.
Context
The majority’s plan to reach Phoenix seems wise when a gentle south wind arrives. Encouraged, they proceed, hugging the coast to minimize risk. The next verses will introduce the sudden, violent wind named Euraquilo, which will overwhelm the ship and drive it far from intended course. The narrative turns from cautious calculation to crisis, showing how swiftly conditions can change at sea and forcing the crew to struggle for survival rather than for better comfort.
v.12And 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.
v.13This passage
v.14But after no long time there beat down from it a tempestuous wind, which is called Euraquilo:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 12:55
And when ye see a south wind blowing, ye say, There will be a scorching heat; and it cometh to pass.
- Psalms 78:26
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens; And by his power he guided the south wind.
- Job 37:17
How thy garments are warm, When the earth is still by reason of the southwind?
- Song of Solomon 4:16
Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; Blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, And eat his precious fruits.
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