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 27:12KJV
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Acts 27:12 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:12 mean?

Acts 27:12 describes how most of the people on Paul’s ship decided not to stay in the harbor where they were, because it was not a good place to spend the winter. They hoped to reach a better harbor called Phenice, on the island of Crete, which faced southwest and northwest, to wait out the winter there.

This verse takes place during Paul’s journey to Rome as a prisoner. The ship had stopped at a harbor on Crete, but the conditions there were not suitable for wintering. The group discussed their options, and the majority advised leaving in hopes of reaching a more favorable port, showing the practical decisions sailors made based on weather and geography.

The Greek behind Acts 27:12

  • "commodious" (εὐθέτως, euthetōs): This word means "suitable" or "convenient." The Greek here emphasizes that the harbor was not just uncomfortable, but truly unsuitable for staying through the harsh winter months.
  • "advised" (βουλὴ, boulē and τιθέναι, tithenai): The Greek uses a word for "counsel" or "advice" and another for "to set" or "to propose," showing this was a group decision, not just a suggestion from one person.
  • "Phenice" (Φοίνιξ, Phoinix): The Greek name refers to a specific harbor on Crete, not the region of Phoenicia. This clears up possible confusion with other places of similar names.
  • "lieth toward the south west and north west" (κατὰ λίβα καὶ κατὰ χῶρον, kata liba kai kata chōron): The Greek describes the orientation of the harbor, indicating it was well-sheltered from certain winds, which would make it a safer place to stay during winter storms.

Why Acts 27:12 matters

  • Acts 27:12 helps clarify why the ship later encountered danger; the decision to leave was based on practical concerns, not recklessness.
  • The verse shows the communal nature of decision-making on ancient ships, highlighting that Paul was not in control but subject to the majority’s advice.
  • Understanding the geography and the sailors’ reasoning helps make sense of the events that follow, including the later shipwreck, by showing the real-life challenges faced during ancient sea travel.

Where else these words appear

“haven” Greek G3040 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 27:8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

“if” Greek G1513 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 1:10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
  • Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
  • Philippians 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

“winter” Greek G3914 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 28:11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
  • Titus 3:12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

“Crete” Greek G2914 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 27:7 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;
  • Acts 27:13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
  • Acts 27:21 But 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.