Acts 27:12
And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπάρχοντος
because
G5225
ὑπάρχοντος
because
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
5 of 28
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 28
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλείους
the more part
G4119
πλείους
the more part
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
9 of 28
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
ἔθεντο
G5087
ἔθεντο
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
10 of 28
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
βουλὴν
advised
G1012
βουλὴν
advised
Strong's:
G1012
Word #:
11 of 28
volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose
ἀναχθῆναι
to depart
G321
ἀναχθῆναι
to depart
Strong's:
G321
Word #:
12 of 28
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
καταντήσαντες
attain
G2658
καταντήσαντες
attain
Strong's:
G2658
Word #:
16 of 28
to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
παραχειμάσαι
and there to winter
G3914
παραχειμάσαι
and there to winter
Strong's:
G3914
Word #:
19 of 28
to winter near, i.e., stay with over the rainy season
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
toward
G2596
κατὰ
toward
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
24 of 28
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
λίβα
the south west
G3047
λίβα
the south west
Strong's:
G3047
Word #:
25 of 28
the south(-west) wind (as bringing rain, i.e., (by extension) the south quarter)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Fair Havens is a small bay on Crete's southern coast, about 5 miles east of Cape Matala. Phoenix lay approximately 40 miles west along Crete's coast. The decision to risk the short sail rather than winter uncomfortably proved catastrophic. Ancient ships carried 200-600 people; wintering required substantial shore facilities.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you chosen the path of greater comfort over God's clearly revealed will?
- How does the 'majority opinion' in your church or community sometimes conflict with biblical wisdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The haven was not commodious to winter in—Fair Havens (modern Kaloi Limenes) lacked protection from northwest winds and had inadequate facilities for a large grain ship's crew during months of inactivity. The more part advised to depart—democratic consensus is not divine guidance. The majority chose economic calculation over prophetic warning. Phenice (Phoenix, modern Phineka) offered better shelter with harbors facing southwest and northwest, protecting from multiple wind directions. The irony: seeking comfort and security, they sailed into disaster. This mirrors Israel's wilderness rebellion—rejecting God's plan for perceived better options.