Acts 27:16
What does Acts 27:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 27:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 27:16 means
They run under the lee of a small island called Cauda and, with difficulty, manage to secure the ship’s boat. In storms, the boat towed behind could swamp or be lost; bringing it aboard was critical for later maneuvers or escape. The verse shows methodical seamanship under pressure: use whatever shelter is available to do essential tasks. The phrase “with difficulty” repeats, reinforcing the sense of a battle fought inch by inch. Nothing is easy; everything demands strenuous effort. Their actions buy time but do not calm the storm, setting up further measures to keep the ship from breaking apart or running aground.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And, sailing near the side of a small island named Cauda, we were able, though it was hard work, to make the ship's boat safe:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having run under a certain little isle, called Clauda, we were hardly able to become masters of the boat,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And running under a certain island that is called Cauda, we had much work to come by the boat.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But running under the lee of a certain island called Clauda, we were with difficulty able to make ourselves masters of the boat;
Context
Having yielded to the storm’s force, the crew exploits the brief shelter provided by Cauda to secure the lifeboat. The narrative moves from general danger to specific maritime strategies. The following verse will describe undergirding the ship and lowering the gear out of fear of the Syrtis. Each step portrays a professional but beleaguered crew doing all they can to survive, while the storm presses them farther from their intended path.
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