Acts 27:7
What does Acts 27:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 27:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 27:7 means
Despite the new ship, progress is slow and difficult. Near Cnidus the wind blocks their intended course, forcing them to sail under Crete, near Salmone, seeking shelter. The verse highlights that skill and resources cannot overcome adverse conditions. Even on a large grain ship, they must take what the wind allows. This realism prepares us for coming choices—whether to winter safely or press on. Paul is not yet speaking, but the scene is set: an experienced crew, a strong ship, and still the sea masters them. Human plans will be repeatedly revised by forces beyond control.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when we had gone on slowly for a long time, and had had hard work getting across to Cnidus, for the wind was against us, we went under cover of Crete, in the direction of Salmone;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having sailed slowly many days, and with difficulty coming over-against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over-against Salmone,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when for many days we had sailed slowly and were scarce come over against Gnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed near Crete by Salmone.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And sailing slowly for many days, and having with difficulty got abreast of Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under the lee of Crete abreast of Salmone;
Context
Now on the Alexandrian ship, the company struggles against persistent winds. Their altered path along Crete is an attempt to manage risk. The next verse will find them reaching Fair Havens with difficulty. These details matter because they explain why time is slipping away into the dangerous season. The stage is being set for Paul’s warning, the crew’s decision to seek a better harbor, and the eventual trap of a sudden storm. Each hesitation and detour adds weight to the looming crisis.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 27:4
And putting to sea from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
- Acts 2:11
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God.
- Acts 27:21
And when they had been long without food, then Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss.
- Titus 1:5
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;
- Titus 1:12
One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons.
- Acts 27:12
And 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.
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