King James Version

What Does Acts 27:7 Mean?

Acts 27:7 in the King James Version says “And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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; Crete: or, Candy

Acts 27:7 · KJV


Context

5

And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

6

And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein .

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; Crete: or, Candy

8

And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens ; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

9

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, the fast: the fast was on the tenth day of the seventh month


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do delays and difficulties in reaching God's promised destinations test faith's endurance?
  2. What does the 'wind not suffering us' teach about creation's role as both obstacle and instrument in divine plans?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἐν1 of 21
G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἱκαναῖς2 of 21

many

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

δὲ3 of 21

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἡμέραις4 of 21

days

G2250

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

βραδυπλοοῦντες5 of 21

when we had sailed slowly

G1020

to sail slowly

καὶ6 of 21

and

G2532

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

μόλις7 of 21

scarce

G3433

with difficulty

γενόμενοι8 of 21

were come

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

κατὰ9 of 21

over against

G2596

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

τὴν10 of 21
G3588

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

Κνίδον11 of 21

Cnidus

G2834

cnidus, a place in asia minor

μὴ12 of 21

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

προσεῶντος13 of 21

suffering

G4330

to permit further progress

ἡμᾶς14 of 21

us

G2248

us

τοῦ15 of 21
G3588

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

ἀνέμου16 of 21

the wind

G417

wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

ὑπεπλεύσαμεν17 of 21

we sailed under

G5284

to sail under the lee of

τὴν18 of 21
G3588

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

Κρήτην19 of 21

Crete

G2914

crete, an island in the mediterranean

κατὰ20 of 21

over against

G2596

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

Σαλμώνην21 of 21

Salmone

G4534

salmone, a place in crete


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 27:7 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 27:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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