Acts 27:4
What does Acts 27:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 27:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 27:4 means
Leaving Sidon, they sail “under the lee of Cyprus,” using the island as a windbreak because the winds oppose them. The phrase reflects practical seamanship and rising adversity. Progress toward Italy will not be straightforward; nature itself resists them. The detail highlights the journey’s realism and Luke’s observational care. It also shows the growing cost in time and effort as the season worsens. Though they navigate prudently, they are at the mercy of weather—an important theme, since human skill will eventually prove insufficient, and divine assurance will become their true anchor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And putting to sea from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And putting to sea from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And sailing again from there, we went on under cover of Cyprus, because the wind was against us.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And thence, having set sail, we sailed under Cyprus, because of the winds being contrary,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And setting sail thence we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
Context
After initial kindness in Sidon, the narrative turns to maritime challenges. The crew modifies their route to cope with contrary winds, signaling a shift from ease to labor. The next verses will trace their path past Cilicia and Pamphylia to Myra, where an Alexandrian ship bound for Italy is found. This transition is crucial because it moves the party from a regional vessel to a major grain carrier, the ship on which the central drama of the storm and shipwreck will unfold.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 21:16
And there went with us also certain of the disciples from Cæsarea, bringing with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
- Matthew 14:24
But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary.
- Mark 6:48
And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them:
- Acts 27:7
And when we had sailed slowly many days, and were come with difficulty over against Cnidus, the wind not further suffering us, we sailed under the lee of Crete, over against Salmone;
- Acts 11:19
They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews.
- Acts 15:39
And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted asunder one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away unto Cyprus:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 27
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 27.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…