King James Version

What Does Acts 27:12 Mean?

Acts 27:12 in the King James Version says “And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they... — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 27:12 · KJV


Context

10

And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. hurt: or, injury

11

Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

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.

13

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

14

But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. arose: or, beat


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you chosen the path of greater comfort over God's clearly revealed will?
  2. How does the 'majority opinion' in your church or community sometimes conflict with biblical wisdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ἀνευθέτου1 of 28

not commodious

G428

not well set, i.e., inconvenient

δὲ2 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦ3 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λιμένα4 of 28

the haven

G3040

a harbor

ὑπάρχοντος5 of 28

because

G5225

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

πρὸς6 of 28

to

G4314

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,

παραχειμασίαν7 of 28

winter in

G3915

a wintering over

οἱ8 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλείους9 of 28

the more part

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

ἔθεντο10 of 28
G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

βουλὴν11 of 28

advised

G1012

volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose

ἀναχθῆναι12 of 28

to depart

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

κἀκεῖθεν13 of 28

thence also

G2547

likewise from that place (or time)

εἴπως14 of 28

if

G1513

if somehow

δύναιντο15 of 28

they might

G1410

to be able or possible

καταντήσαντες16 of 28

attain

G2658

to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)

εἰς17 of 28

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Φοίνικα18 of 28

Phenice

G5405

phoenix, a place in crete

παραχειμάσαι19 of 28

and there to winter

G3914

to winter near, i.e., stay with over the rainy season

λιμένα20 of 28

the haven

G3040

a harbor

τῆς21 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Κρήτης22 of 28

of Crete

G2914

crete, an island in the mediterranean

βλέποντα23 of 28

and lieth

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

κατὰ24 of 28

toward

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

λίβα25 of 28

the south west

G3047

the south(-west) wind (as bringing rain, i.e., (by extension) the south quarter)

καὶ26 of 28

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κατὰ27 of 28

toward

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

χῶρον28 of 28

north west

G5566

the north-west wind


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 27:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 27:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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