Acts Chapter 27 · Verse 7
And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
Original Language Analysis
ἱκαναῖς
many
G2425
ἱκαναῖς
many
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
2 of 21
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
ἡμέραις
days
G2250
ἡμέραις
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 21
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γενόμενοι
were come
G1096
γενόμενοι
were come
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
κατὰ
over against
G2596
κατὰ
over against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
9 of 21
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνέμου
the wind
G417
ἀνέμου
the wind
Strong's:
G417
Word #:
16 of 21
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 27:21But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.Acts 2:11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.Titus 1:12One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.Titus 1:5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Historical Context
Cnidus was a prominent cape on Asia Minor's southwest tip, about 130 miles from Myra. Ancient ships attempting Italy from the east aimed for Cnidus, then sailed directly west. Contrary winds forced southward detour to Crete, adding hundreds of miles. Salmone was Crete's eastern cape. The ship's struggle here occurred in late September or early October (before the Day of Atonement, v. 9), when Mediterranean sailing became increasingly dangerous. Ancient mariners feared autumn's unpredictable storms.
Questions for Reflection
- How do delays and difficulties in reaching God's promised destinations test faith's endurance?
- What does the 'wind not suffering us' teach about creation's role as both obstacle and instrument in divine plans?
Analysis & Commentary
When we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us—the Greek bradyplountes (βραδυπλοοῦντες, "sailing slowly") and molis genomenoi (μόλις γενόμενοι, "with difficulty arriving") emphasize laborious progress. The phrase the wind not suffering us (mē prosiōntos hēmas tou anemou, μὴ προσιόντος ἡμᾶς τοῦ ἀνέμου, literally "the wind not permitting us") shows nature's resistance. Unable to sail directly west to Italy, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone—taking Crete's leeward (south) side for wind protection.
The cumulative obstacles—contrary winds (v. 4), slow progress, forced detours—build narrative tension while demonstrating creation's role in God's purposes. These weren't random meteorological events but providential delays positioning the ship for the coming crisis where Paul's witness would shine. The detailed sailing log proves Luke's eyewitness presence and provides historical verification. Theologically, the passage illustrates that God's assured promises (Paul will reach Rome, v. 24) don't eliminate difficulties but guarantee ultimate outcomes despite obstacles.