Acts 27:9
What does Acts 27:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 27:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 27:9 means
Time has passed, and sailing has become dangerous because “the Fast” (the Day of Atonement) was already over, placing the season in late autumn when Mediterranean storms are common. Paul, though a prisoner, speaks up to admonish them. His counsel arises from spiritual discernment and practical observation. He senses that pressing on would bring harm. The warning is sober, not dramatic, and shows Paul’s concern for all aboard. He does not command; he advises. The verse emphasizes timing: danger increases as patience runs out. Wisdom often consists in recognizing seasons, not only destinations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when much time was spent, and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast was now already gone by, Paul admonished them,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when much time was spent, and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast was now already gone by, Paul admonished them,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And as a long time had gone by, and the journey was now full of danger, because it was late in the year, Paul put the position before them,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And much time being spent, and the sailing being now dangerous--because of the fast also being already past--Paul was admonishing,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when much time was spent and when sailing now was dangerous, because the fast was now past, Paul comforted them,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And much time having now been spent, and navigation being already dangerous, because the fast also was already past, Paul counselled them,
Context
Having reached Fair Havens with difficulty, the crew faces the choice of wintering there or attempting a better harbor. The notice that the Fast has passed explains why sailing is perilous. Paul’s forthcoming warning directly addresses this risk. The next verse records the content of his caution—that loss would come to ship, cargo, and possibly lives if they proceed. The narrative highlights Paul’s emerging leadership and the contrast between his caution and the professionals’ optimism.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Leviticus 16:29
And it shall be a statute for ever unto you: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and shall do no manner of work, the home-born, or the stranger that sojourneth among you:
- Leviticus 23:27
Howbeit on the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement: it shall be a holy convocation unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.
- Numbers 29:7
And on the tenth day of this seventh month ye shall have a holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall do no manner of work;
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