Acts 27:14
But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
Original Language Analysis
μετ'
after
G3326
μετ'
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
πολὺ
long
G4183
πολὺ
long
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
3 of 12
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἔβαλεν
there arose
G906
ἔβαλεν
there arose
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
5 of 12
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
κατ'
against
G2596
κατ'
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 12
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
αὐτῆς
it
G846
αὐτῆς
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 12
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
ἄνεμος
wind
G417
ἄνεμος
wind
Strong's:
G417
Word #:
8 of 12
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
These sudden violent winds still occur when cold air from Europe crosses Crete's mountains and collides with warm Mediterranean air. Ancient sailors feared these gregale or northeaster storms, which could blow for days with hurricane-force winds. The ship, having left the coast's protection, was utterly vulnerable.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when the 'storms' you were warned about actually arrive in your life?
- What does this sudden shift from calm to chaos teach about life's unpredictability apart from God's guidance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon—The abrupt shift from gentle south wind to violent northeaster proves nature's treachery and man's helplessness. 'Euroclydon' (Εὐρακύλων, Eurakylōn, in better manuscripts) combines 'eurus' (east wind) and Latin 'aquilo' (north wind)—a northeaster, the Mediterranean's most dangerous storm. Arose against it (ἔβαλεν, ebalen, 'hurled itself') suggests violent, sudden onset. This typhonic wind bore down from Crete's mountains, catching the ship exposed in open water. The storm's fury confirms Paul's prophetic warning while demonstrating God's sovereignty over creation's forces.