King James Version

What Does Acts 27:9 Mean?

Acts 27:9 in the King James Version says “Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished... — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 27:9 · KJV


Context

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

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When much time was spent and sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past—The 'fast' (νηστεία, nesteia) refers to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), occurring in late September/early October. Ancient Mediterranean navigation ceased from mid-September to mid-March due to seasonal storms and poor visibility. Luke's nautical precision shows the journey's peril began with poor timing. Paul admonished them (παρῄνει, parēnei)—a strong verb meaning 'warned earnestly.' Though a prisoner, Paul's spiritual discernment and previous shipwreck experiences (2 Cor 11:25) gave him prophetic authority the centurion would later regret ignoring.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred around late September/early October AD 59 during Paul's voyage to Rome as a prisoner. Ancient sailors avoided Mediterranean travel after the Day of Atonement until spring due to violent autumn and winter storms. The grain ship was traveling from Myra (in Lycia) toward Italy, carrying Paul and other prisoners under centurion Julius.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has God given you spiritual discernment that contradicted conventional wisdom or expert opinion?
  2. How do you respond when God's warning through his servants conflicts with practical or economic considerations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Ἱκανοῦ1 of 20

when much

G2425

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

δὲ2 of 20

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

χρόνου3 of 20

time

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

διαγενομένου4 of 20

was spent

G1230

to elapse meanwhile

καὶ5 of 20

and

G2532

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

ὄντος6 of 20

was

G5607

being

ἤδη7 of 20

already

G2235

even now

ἐπισφαλοῦς8 of 20

dangerous

G2000

figuratively, insecure

τοῦ9 of 20
G3588

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

πλοὸς10 of 20

when sailing

G4144

a sail, i.e., navigation

διὰ11 of 20

because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ12 of 20
G3588

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

καὶ13 of 20

and

G2532

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

τὴν14 of 20
G3588

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

νηστείαν15 of 20

the fast

G3521

abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the day of atonement

ἤδη16 of 20

already

G2235

even now

παρεληλυθέναι17 of 20

past

G3928

to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert

παρῄνει18 of 20

admonished

G3867

to mispraise, i.e., recommend or advise (a different course)

19 of 20
G3588

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

Παῦλος20 of 20

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle


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 27:9 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 27:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study