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

ACTS 27:13KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 27:13 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:13 mean?

Acts 27:13 describes how, when a gentle south wind began to blow, those on the ship believed their plan would succeed, so they set sail from where they were and stayed close to the island of Crete. The verse shows a moment when the sailors felt confident and thought the conditions were right for their journey.

Paul is a prisoner on board a ship headed for Rome, along with other prisoners, sailors, and soldiers. After earlier warnings about dangerous sailing conditions, the crew sees a favorable wind and assumes they can safely continue their voyage. This verse sets up the story for the coming storm by showing the crew’s optimism and decision to leave the safety of the harbor.

The Greek behind Acts 27:13

  • ἄνεμος (anemos, "wind"): The word here refers to the south wind, which in that region was often seen as gentle and favorable for sailing. The detail emphasizes why the sailors felt safe to proceed.
  • ὑποπνεύσαντος (hypopneusantos, "softly"): This word is often understood as "blowing gently" or "mildly." It highlights that the wind seemed harmless, which influenced the crew’s decision.
  • δοξάσαντες (doxasantes, "supposing"): The Greek here carries the sense of assuming or believing something to be true. The sailors thought they had achieved what they wanted, showing their confidence in the situation.
  • ἔκραιναν (ekrainan, "obtained their purpose"): This phrase means they believed their plan was working out. It shows their sense of control, which the coming events will challenge.

Why Acts 27:13 matters

  • Acts 27:13 clears up that the sailors’ decision to leave was based on what seemed like ideal conditions, not reckless disregard, which helps explain their later surprise at the storm.
  • The verse highlights the contrast between human confidence and the unpredictable nature of events at sea, setting up the tension for the rest of the chapter.
  • This moment connects to Paul’s earlier warning, showing that appearances can be deceiving and that wisdom sometimes goes unheeded when circumstances seem favorable.

Where else these words appear

“sailed” Greek G3881 · 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.

“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 27:12 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.
  • 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.

“wind” Greek G3558 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
  • Luke 12:55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
  • Acts 28:13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

“purpose” Greek G4286 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
  • Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
  • Ephesians 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: