Acts 21:3
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
Original Language Analysis
ἀναφάναντες
when we had discovered
G398
ἀναφάναντες
when we had discovered
Strong's:
G398
Word #:
1 of 23
to show, i.e., (reflexively) appear, or (passively) to have pointed out
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταλιπόντες
we left
G2641
καταλιπόντες
we left
Strong's:
G2641
Word #:
6 of 23
to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
αὐτὴν
it
G846
αὐτὴν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εὐώνυμον
on the left hand
G2176
εὐώνυμον
on the left hand
Strong's:
G2176
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e., the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand
εἰς
at
G1519
εἰς
at
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
at
G1519
εἰς
at
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 21:16There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.Acts 12:20And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.Acts 4:36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,Matthew 4:24And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
Historical Context
This voyage occurred around AD 57 during Paul's final journey to Jerusalem. Tyre was a major Phoenician seaport approximately 100 miles north of Caesarea. The shipping route from Asia Minor to Judea regularly followed the Levantine coast, making Tyre a natural port of call.
Questions for Reflection
- How do seemingly mundane travel details in Scripture remind us that biblical events occurred in real history with real people?
- What does the presence of believers in Tyre teach about the gospel's power to transform cities once under God's judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
We left it on the left hand (εὐώνυμον, euōnymon)—The nautical detail of passing Cyprus to port (left side) while sailing to Syria reflects Luke's eyewitness precision. Landed at Tyre marks a significant stop where the ship would 'unlade her burden' (ἀποφορτίζομαι, apophortízomai), meaning to discharge cargo. Tyre, once denounced by prophets (Isaiah 23, Ezekiel 26-28), now harbored a Christian community—a powerful testimony to the gospel's transforming reach into formerly pagan strongholds.