Acts 27:13
And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
Original Language Analysis
νότου
when the south wind
G3558
νότου
when the south wind
Strong's:
G3558
Word #:
3 of 12
the south(-west) wind; by extension, the southern quarter itself
δόξαντες
supposing
G1380
δόξαντες
supposing
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
4 of 12
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προθέσεως
their purpose
G4286
προθέσεως
their purpose
Strong's:
G4286
Word #:
6 of 12
a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god
κεκρατηκέναι
that they had obtained
G2902
κεκρατηκέναι
that they had obtained
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
7 of 12
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
ἄραντες
loosing
G142
ἄραντες
loosing
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
8 of 12
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
παρελέγοντο
thence they sailed
G3881
παρελέγοντο
thence they sailed
Strong's:
G3881
Word #:
10 of 12
(specially), to lay one's course near, i.e., sail past
Historical Context
The south wind allowed them to sail west along Crete's southern coast toward Phoenix. In ancient navigation, pilots kept land in sight when possible. The gentle conditions were typical of the brief calm periods before Mediterranean autumn storms. Within hours, their confidence would turn to terror.
Questions for Reflection
- When have favorable circumstances tempted you to interpret God's silence as approval?
- How do you distinguish between God's genuine blessing and Satan's temporary permission in your decisions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When the south wind blew softly—The gentle notos (south wind) seemed to confirm their plan's wisdom, a common deception when circumstances appear to validate wrong choices. Supposing that they had obtained their purpose (δόξαντες τῆς προθέσεως κεκρατηκέναι, doxantes tēs protheseōs kekratēkenai)—'thinking they had mastered their objective.' Human presumption at its peak: favorable conditions misinterpreted as divine approval. Loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete—they hugged the coastline for safety, unaware that within hours the gentle breeze would become a typhoon. Satan often permits initial 'success' in disobedient ventures to deepen eventual destruction.